Worker Killed by Reversing High-Lift Truck

A worker was knocked down and run over by a reversing high-lift truck¹ at night. According to the co-worker, both of them were walking back to their workplace after taking a break near the premises’ loading/unloading bay. The worker was pronounced dead by attending paramedics half an hour later (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Worker hit by reversing high-lift truck while returning to work

Recommendations:

1. Risk assessment: A risk assessment (RA) must be carried out by experienced and knowledgeable persons before starting any work. Through the risk assessment, employers and workers can identify hazards and take appropriate actions to eliminate the hazards or reduce the risks involved. For workplace that involves heavy vehicles, RA must be conducted for:

a. arrival and departure of such vehicles;
b. vehicular traffic within the worksite; and
c. loading, unloading and securing of loads.

In this incident, the RA would include the reversing of heavy vehicles towards loading/unloading bay.

2. Ensure adequate lighting: The risks of injuries are higher in poorly lit areas. Adequate lighting should be provided to enhance the visibility on all roads, passages within the worksite and access routes to worksite.

3. Establish a traffic management plan: A proper traffic management system should be established for the worksite. It is important to provide separate and clearly marked routes for pedestrians. Appropriate barriers or guard rails should be erected in hazardous locations such as building entrances, exits, corners or bends.

4. Ensure safety awareness among workers: All drivers should be briefed regularly on worksite’s safety information such as:

a. route layout;
b. traffic rules/regulations at the worksite;
c. safety procedures for:

Additionally, all workers should be constantly reminded on appropriate safety and health information such as:

a.specific routes for pedestrian;
b. types of vehicle and equipment on site;
c. specific hazards; and
d. information on concurrent work activities on site.

Quality Management System Model

Environmental Management System Model

Occupational Safety and Health Management System Model

Worker Killed by Collapsed Brick Wall During Demolition

A worker was standing adjacent to an L-shaped brickwall, which was to be demolished. The two lengths of the wall were connected by a reinforced concrete tie beam. While a mini excavator breaker was clearing debris from the base of the wall, the wall in front of the excavator collapsed outwards. The connecting tie beam then pulled down the other adjoining wall, causing it to topple inwards. The falling wall struck the worker standing next to it and pinned him under. The worker was brought to the hospital but he subsequently succumbed to his injuries. Initial investigations revealed that the wall might not be adequately anchored into its foundation.

Recommendations*

1. Conduct risk assessment: Prior to the commencement of work, a risk assessment should be carried out to determine the potential hazards and risks that might arise during the demolition work. Control measures and safe work procedures must be established to mitigate the risks, and be communicated and implemented to ensure the safety and health of the workers involved. The key hazard in this case was the wall that destabilised during the demolition works.

2. Cordon off wall/structures to be demolished: Personnel not directly involved in the works should not be allowed in close proximity with any walls or structures that are scheduled to be demolished; Working areas should be cordoned off.

3. Use props or wire ties: Whenever the stability of the walls/structures being demolished are in doubt, props and wire ties should be used to support the structure prior to and during the demolition.

4. Deploy trained personnel: Personnel operating machinery or equipment should be properly trained and should posses appropriate certifications. Checks should be carried out by the management team to ensure that all workers and operators are properly trained and certified to carry out the works assigned to them.