Asphalt Wagon Doors
ACTIVITY:
ACCESS & EGRESS & WORKING AT HEIGHT
TITLE
Asphalt Wagon Doors
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
Recently an accident occurred at a site where a Surfacing operative was injured and required 2 stitches to one of his fingers.
The operative had attempted to free the hydraulic tailgate on an asphalt wagon after it had become stuck whilst attempting to unload into the Paver’s hopper.
The wagon driver had managed to raise the bottom of the tailgate using the hydraulic system, but the gate was only halfway open. The operative had then attempted to prise the tailgate open with a bar.
Due to the wagon's body being elevated, the product had rested against the tailgate. When the tailgate eventually became unstuck it swung out trapping the operatives hand between the tailgate’s edge and the Paver hopper injuring his index finger and middle finger of his right hand.
The operative suffered a crush injury requiring 2 stitches to one of his fingers. He is very lucky because he could have easily lost his fingers or his hand if the incident had been more severe.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
The procedure for opening tailgates at the company concerned has now been changed as follows;
At no time should a contracting operative touch the Asphalt wagon tailgate or attempt to free it by any means (Hydraulic or manual).
If the tailgate becomes stuck stop the operation and if in front of the paver get the driver to pull forward off the paver. It is the responsibility of the wagon driver to open his tailgate. If he cannot open his tailgate in a safe manner then he must take the vehicle off site and return to the Asphalt plant.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
ACTIVITY:
ACCESS & EGRESS & WORKING AT HEIGHT
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