While performing an ad hoc task of moving concrete planters, a front end loader operator reversed into a pedestrian pod, damaging the Armco barrier and a pedestrian gate. There was no restricted access to the walkway or pedestrian crossing whilst this activity was taking place. A risk assessment had been completed by the site supervisor based on using one machine to move the planters but not a second FEL. The risk assessment had not identified the pedestrian pod as a hazard, and neither operator had been involved in the process.

ROOT CAUSES

Primary

• Insufficient identification of hazards during the creation of the risk assessment.

Contributing

• Neither operator was directly involved in the risk assessment process and neither had identified that using a second machine was a significant change for which an additional risk assessment should have been completed.
• The operator was not fully concentrating on all elements of the activity as they were talking on the radio whilst reversing

Local

• Risk assessment toolbox talk to be delivered to all site personnel.
• Site survey to review walkways and re-route them where possible.

National

• All machine operators must ensure the machine is in a safe position before using a radio, to maintain full focus and control during operation.
• All individuals involved in a task must actively participate in the risk assessment process to ensure shared understanding and accountability.
• Everyone involved in the task must read, understand, and acknowledge the relevant risk assessment or documentation before undertaking the task.