Materials Handling

1
02/94

Committed to
Safety

• Materials Handling
• The Accident
• On 19 February, 1994 a fatal accident occurred
  while off loading a crate from the back of a flat
  bed truck. The workers were using a hydraulic
  Pallfinger crane mounted behind the truck cab.
• The driver was operating the crane using controls
  fitted on the side of the truck. The helper was
  on the back on the truck, having placed a sling
  around the crate to be off loaded. The helper
  instructed the driver to raise the load, and
  found that the crate tilted as it was lifted
  because the load had been incorrectly slung. He
  instructed the driver to lower the load, and
  attempted to adjust the sling as the crate was
  lowered. While the helper was leaning forward
  with his back to the crane, his head was crushed
  between the crane boom and an adjacent box. The
  victim died instantly.
• The driver operating the crane could not see the
  helper or the load during the operation. The
  helper had three weeks experience in the job.
• Learning Points
• The accident emphasises the importance of the
  following basic rules in materials handling
• Personnel should stand clear of moving loads or
  equipment
• The crane operator should always be able to see
  the banksman/helpers when a lift is in progress.
• The importance of visual contact has been
  highlighted in an earlier Safety Alert (008/93).
• The contents of this safety alert should be
  communicated to all employees via toolbox
  meetings and notice boards.