Top four workplace killers

Here at Lighthouse Safety we continually reinforce the need to conduct site-specific risk assessments and to take heed of the significant risks that may need addressing.

Highlighting the four main reasons why deaths occur in the workplace can only further educate and enforce the need to address such situations.  Those four reasons are:

1. Falls
2. Falling Objects
3. Crushing (by vehicles or an excavation)
4. Electrocution

Clearly there are many other reasons why accidents kill our mates and loved ones while they are at work but if we were to concentrate on the provision of a Safe Place of Work and giving our staff a Safe System of Work along with any Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision they may require, then we would go a long way to improving matters.

Here are some brief insights that may be beneficial …

• Next time you are working at height (any place where a fall may occur), attempt to lower the risk by avoiding working at height in the first place, take actions to prevent people falling or objects falling onto others, or mitigate the result of the fall by using preventative measure such as harnesses or soft landing systems.

• Avoid working or walking in an area where moving vehicles may trap or crush you.  Always draw the attention of the driver of any vehicle if you need to approach them to discuss matters, and never walk in a position where a moving vehicle can trap you against a solid object or other moving vehicle.

• If you have to enter an excavation there are numerous hazards that may be present, including unstable soil, contaminated soil, gases being given off, needles or other sharp objects, weils disease, underground services, water table rising and unexploded ordnance to name but a few.  Far too many instances occur where the excavation collapses due to incorrect shoring or battering; the Cotswold Geotechnical case just serves to demonstrate that we can all learn from their experiences. Where shoring is not available many contractors batter their excavations back by using the rule of thumb approach of a 45 degree angle, which in itself is a high risk practice because many soil types and conditions actually require a shallower batter, therefore referral to the angle of repose chart is a must.
• Electrics continue to kill people for many reasons.  For example, on high voltage power lines and in substations, members of the general public attempting to steal cooper wire to sell for profit, poor lock out procedures occurring during industrial works, temporary supplies may be incorrectly installed or are tampered with, and many tools are being used without an in date PAT Test (3 monthly for site equipment and 12 monthly for office equipment is the general rule).  If you have any electric work or maintenance to be completed then always request the assistance of a qualified electrician.