Incident alert

IP was assisting the fitter, after task had been completed, by helping clear tools and waste away from work site. This included bolts, hand tools and a battery operated 'angle grinder'. As they were carrying these items, by using both arms and cradling toward their chest, it is understood that the grinder activated cutting into his lower left forearm.

An investigation concluded the following as root causes of the incident.

• No record of inspection
• Failure to prepare work area and assess risk
• Lack of management control

For every non routine task a take one or point of work risk assessment MUST be carried out involving all parties (employee/contractor).

• Only competent operators to handle power tools.
• Ensure all tools (company or contractor) are inspected before use. Those found with defective safety devices/features are to be removed from service immediately.
• Consider Isolation during transportation (remove battery/unplug) in RAMs when using power tools.
• All tools are to be stored and transported to and from the place of work in an appropriate container.

Images below show the tie that was added to grinder during the investigation.