PLANT MACHINERY & SITE SAFETY
How to reduce risk: “The ground or foundations should be assessed to ensure they can take the weight of the machine when fully loaded. Both the route of the machine and the entire area where it will be operational should be inspected to discover any hazards and manage them before beginning. Hazards should be moved away from the area or cordoned off to alert staff of the risk. The operators themselves should be fully trained, with the proper knowledge of load capacity for the machine they are using. Also, using the right machine based on a site survey and risk assessment is vital, of course if carrying out the work is appropriate.”
Entrapment
Entrapment refers to occupants or operators becoming trapped between either guardrails, controls or other parts of MEWPs and an immovable object or external structure and is one of the four leading causes of fatalities linked to powered access machinery use. In 2022, IPAF recorded 18
reports of entrapment incidents, which was a 29% rise on the previous year’s data.
How to reduce risk: “Operators of MEWPs should be checked to have the proper training and anti-entrapment safety checklists can be used to ensure all precaution has been taken. Whilst measures such as primary and secondary guarding, like rails, are a welcome health and safety measure, accidents can still occur so workers shouldn’t solely rely on these. It’s crucial to ensure operators are upskilled to reduce risks. Operators should follow protocols at all times and remain vigilant.”
Technical failure
Mechanical or technical issues with MEWPs can lead to potential risk, especially if a machine ceases operations midway through use. According to IPAF, the number of fatalities caused by technical failure had dropped 75% in 2022, providing positive news for workers and employer. The data showed there were 64 reports of mechanical failure incidents, involving 76 people across 12 countries in 2022.
“IN 2022, IPAF RECORDED 18 REPORTS OF ENTRAPMENT INCIDENTS, WHICH WAS A 29% RISE ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S DATA.”
How to reduce risk: “Reducing this risk is all about following recommended procedures and doing due diligence as a business owner. Be sure you rent your access platform from a reputable company that is properly accredited and can ensure platform health and safety measures have been met. Your machine should have a LOLER, be properly inspected, and maintenance carried out before you receive the machine, so it is in working order to reduce any chance of technical issues occurring. You can ask for certification, paperwork and a company’s approach to maintenance to verify this if you have concerns.”
Falling objects
It’s common for MEWPs to be used alongside other tools, which poses risk of falling items from height if the proper safety precautions are not followed. The risk can be increased based on the type of machine, boom lifts pose higher risk based on where the basket is located in relation to the base. IPAF data reported in 2022 showed 10 fatal incidents involving falling objects.
How to reduce risk: “Doing a robust risk assessment before work starts is important for identifying potential issues. Cordoning off areas and signage is important to securing an area and warning staff and passersby of risks from falling objects. Employing a spotter can ensure someone located a safe distance away is on hand to flag risk to staff where falling objects might occur. Tools should also be stored securely to reduce the risk of dropping these from height.”
www.horizonplatforms.co.uk x.com/TomorrowsHS 23
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