Incident alert

On a Sunday morning, two contractors were observed trying to attach new branding logos to their truck mixer.  The contractors were seen using the site wheelie bin to access the truck mixer drum.  The contractors were working without the correct permission, no Permit to Work had been issued and there was a significant lack of any personal protective equipment (PPE).  Fortunately, a company vessel was moored on the neighbouring wharf and the crew observed the incident and STEPPED IN, with all works being stopped.

The image below shows the drivers standing on wheelie bins.

Key Findings

Look after yourself and each other - STOP & THINK behaviour not used. 

Safe System –

• Drivers returned to site out of production hours.
• No Permit to Work was issued and the contractors worked without supervision.
• Driver induction training completed, including Safety Essentials & MYSPACE elements.
• Activity was not within the agreed Independent Haulage Contractor (IHC) permitted vehicle maintenance activities.

Working at height - Inappropriate access used to work at height.

Personal Protection Equipment - Drivers did not wear PPE.

HOW COULD THIS HAVE BEEN AVOIDED

• Use of Take 5 / STOP & THINK approach.
• Compliance with site procedures, including obtaining a Permit to Work from a company representative and the requirement for supervision.
• Follow ERIC P and Risk Assessment principles to identify the safest method of work.

KEY REVIEW POINTS

• Are IHC’s aware of permitted activities, including not working on site out of hours?
• When working at height, is there a Risk Assessment, Method Statement, Permit to Work and the correct equipment incorporating adequate fall protection?
• Are all relevant rules and procedures communicated and understood?
• Do we encourage and thank people for taking the time to STEP IN / Take 5 Together when unsafe activities or behaviours are observed?

This incident illustrates why it is so important to STOP & THINK before starting a new task, and to remember it is essential to Look after Yourself, Look after Each Other. If one was reviewing this alert with your team, you may want to ask them what more we need to do to ensure everyone puts their health and safety first, always, and whether they would have Stepped In to keep their colleagues safe.