19.01.2015
Boom ladder or both?
Spotted by a reader at Frankfurt Höscht station in Germany last week, contractors working on a new platform canopy, finding it a challenge to use the access equipment supplied, which include a boom lift and a step ladder.
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Spotted at Frankfurt station
The risks they are taking to get the job done include one man standing on the mid guardrail and cantilevering himself against the top rail to reach out and straddling the ladder and the boom’s platform. It is surprising that the ladder did not kick out… On top of this no one is wearing a harness and lanyard and there are several other issues. The chances of a fall and injury are high – so no surprise that this qualifies for our Death Wish series.
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Standing on the guardrail
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Let's lean out and bring in another man
In the words of our correspondent: “Please find attached some photos from Frankfurt Höchst train station. I took them on Monday, but I am sure they still working there the same way... As you see they have AWP but don't know how to use it properly... (a Nifty HR rented from Boels)”.
“No safety harness, standing on rails. while they use a grinder and they didn't used safety glasses.I think somebody from Inspection should visit them there”.
Hopefully someone picked up on this before a serious injury occurred on front of passengers. Looks like another case of total trust in a hi-viz vest.
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It's almost access acrobatics
In certain countries like Australia WHS/OHS Legislation ( Act & Regulations ) places Primary Duty of Care Obligations on Employers, Workers, Manufacturers, Designers, Suppliers, Persons in Control of a Workplace etc etc to ensure the Health & Safety of all personnel at a workplace. Any breach of this Legislation can result in severe fines , jail time etc. WHS Inspectors are constantly conducting random audits on workplaces to ensure compliance to WHS Legislation. In Australia certain Plant & Equipment require the operator to hold a High Risk Work Licence issued by the WHS Regulators ie: Forklifts , Boom Type EWP > 11mtrs, Cranes , Scaffolding, Rigging etc. This is only issued after extensive training and assessment mapped to a specific Govt Unit of Competency. I have heard thru the grapevine some of the fines for not wearing a Full Body Harness with a shock Absorbing Lanyard in a Boom Type EWP is $300.00. Not wearing a seat belt in a Forklift is the same. I am amazed every week how many people are being catapulted or ejected out off Boom Type EWP's ( Mainly in the US ). Not sure what WHS/OHS Legislative requirements are in other countries but there in place for a reason. To ensure the Health & Safety of all personnel at various workplaces. A thought from another old guy in Australia.
In certain countries like Australia WHS/OHS Legislation ( Act & Regulations ) places Primary Duty of Care Obligations on Employers, Workers, Manufacturers, Designers, Suppliers, Persons in Control of a Workplace etc etc to ensure the Health & Safety of all personnel at a workplace. Any breach of this Legislation can result in severe fines , jail time etc. WHS Inspectors are constantly conducting random audits on workplaces to ensure compliance to WHS Legislation. In Australia certain Plant & Equipment require the operator to hold a High Risk Work Licence issued by the WHS Regulators ie: Forklifts , Boom Type EWP > 11mtrs, Cranes , Scaffolding, Rigging etc. This is only issued after extensive training and assessment mapped to a specific Govt Unit of Competency. I have heard thru the grapevine some of the fines for not wearing a Full Body Harness with a shock Absorbing Lanyard in a Boom Type EWP is $300.00. Not wearing a seat belt in a Forklift is the same. I am amazed every week how many people are being catapulted or ejected out off Boom Type EWP's ( Mainly in the US ). Not sure what WHS/OHS Legislative requirements are in other countries but there in place for a reason. To ensure the Health & Safety of all personnel at various workplaces. A thought from another old guy in Australia.
How do you attemp to stop this disregard to safe practice. On the spot fines, no appeal, fine the guys in hi-vis, fine their managers, fine their prime contractors, fine the owner of the site, fine the rental company if they cannot prove not raining or harness supply or information. The word will get around and then the change starts to happen. It works with seat belts in cars, why not industrial safety. If money counts, start taking their money, and fund a inspection service to follow up before the fatal incident happens. Sounds simple, but it may work in all countries. May save some insurance premium increases and madly inappropriate insurance payouts. Just a thought from an old guy here in Australia, trying to make a difference.