Safety Alert Plant Selection 06022012
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An operative was injured when a 9-inch grinder he was using above his head kicked back and struck him in the face, requiring stitches. An investigation found that the safe system of work was vague, only describing the tool as a "small" grinder instead of specifying it was a 9-inch grinder. It also did not account for the dust generated by cutting concrete. The alert stresses the importance of ensuring safe systems of work are correct and adequate, and speaking up if they are not, in order to avoid injuries and keep all workers safe.
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Safety Alert Plant Selection 06022012
- 1. Safety Alert PLANT & TOOL SELECTION & SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK On Monday 23rd January 2012, an operative was cutting concrete using a 9” grinder, above his head. The grinder kicked back violently, causing the grinder to strike the operative in the face (see picture above). The operative was not working alone, and his workmate ensured that he got to hospital in a speedy manner. The wound required many stitches, but fortunately the cutting blade did not damage any tooth or bone. During the accident investigation that followed, all the paperwork was in place, and all personnel involved had signed up to it. However, the safe system of work (SSoW) was rather vague with regard to describing the tools to be used (the SSoW stated “small” grinder). Although a 9” grinder is not small, describing it in more detail would have removed this problem. The SSoW made no allowance for the dust that would be generated as a consequence of cutting concrete. Although this was not the primary cause of the accident, it may have been an aggravating factor. If you feel that the SSoW that you have been briefed on is inadequate or not correct, STOP. GET IT CHANGED. THERE ARE NO MEDALS FOR CARRYING ON WITH THE WRONG OR INADEQUATE PAPERWORK. THE STANDARD YOU SET IS THE ONE YOU WALK AWAY FROM
- 2. Safety Alert YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR AND YOUR WORKMATES’ SAFETY. DON’T CUT CORNERS, LOOK AFTER YOURSELF AND OTHERS. DON’T BE AFRAID TO STOP AND SPEAK UP IF IT’S NOT RIGHT. WE WANT ALL OF YOU TO GO HOME EVERY NIGHT TO YOUR FAMILIES IN THE SAME CONDITION THAT YOU ARRIVED FOR WORK. NO COMPROMISE