CASE #258
CASE #258 – Worker crushed by falling hay bales
A worker helping to untie the canvas covering on a stack of hay bales was struck and killed by a falling bale. The bales weighed about 680 kilograms (1,500 pounds) each and were stacked six high and two across, with a tall stand in the middle. The victim was on one side of the stack and the coworker on the other untying the canvas cover. As the victim walked around the end of the stack, the bales shifted and collapsed. Three of the large bales came down from the end row, and one of them struck and killed the victim.
This incident illustrates the need to take these preventive measures:
- Bags, bales, boxes, and other containers stored in tiers must be made secure against sliding or collapse.
- When removing material stored in piles, it must be done in a manner that maintains the stability of the pile and prevents collapse.
- Make sure your workers are trained in the safe method of tarp removal and the possible hazards involved.
- Make sure your accident prevention plan is tailored to the type of work performed and the hazards involved.
CASE #258 – Un ouvrier écrasé par la chute de balles de foin
Un ouvrier qui aidait à détacher la bâche d’une pile de balles de foin a été heurté et tué par la chute d’une balle. Les balles pesaient environ 680 kilogrammes (1 500 livres) chacune et étaient empilées six de haut et deux de large, avec un grand support au milieu. La victime était d’un côté de la pile et le collègue de l’autre dénouait la bâche. Alors que la victime contournait l’extrémité de la pile, les balles se sont déplacées et se sont effondrées. Trois des grosses balles sont tombées de la dernière rangée et l’une d’elles a heurté et tué la victime.
Cet incident illustre la nécessité de prendre ces mesures préventives:
- Les sacs, balles, boîtes et autres contenants entreposés sur des niveaux doivent être sécurisés contre le glissement ou l’effondrement.
- Lors de l’enlèvement de matériaux rangés en tas, cela doit être fait d’une manière qui maintient la stabilité du tas et empêche l’effondrement.
- Assurez-vous que vos travailleurs sont formés à la méthode sécuritaire d’enlèvement de la bâche et aux dangers possibles impliqués.
- Assurez-vous que votre plan de prévention des accidents est adapté au type de travail effectué et aux risques encourus.
Weekly Safety Reminder – It Really Happened A weekly micro-learning email to keep safety top of mind. Every Monday morning, we send out a brief safety incident report, of one actual workplace accident, along with preventative measures that could have prevented the accident. Not all events will pertain to everyone’s industry, but the goal of keeping safety top of mind is global. This micro-learning email takes only 2-3 minutes to review and gives valuable insight into a real-life situation. And more importantly, reminds us all to stay vigilant when it comes to safety practices.
The material contained in this document has been prepared from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. Application of this information to a specific worksite should be reviewed by a safety professional. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all liability arising therefrom. Specific medical advice should be obtained through consultation with a physician or other trained health care practitioner.
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