The IP began to offload the a vehicle, it was dark due to the time, but the yard was floodlit. He was offloading sandbags onto the pallets where the sandbags are stored. A gully had been left on the floor next to the pallet by sub-contractors. Not seeing the gully whilst walking and fell causing a gash to his knee. The resulting injury was a cut to the knee that required stiches at the local A&E.

Findings:

• Area was lit by flood lights however shadows cast by the vehicle may have caused the object to be less visible than normal
• The gully had been left on the floor by a sub-contracting gang working for contracting
• The driver had not inspected the area before beginning to work in the area

• Lighting of yard areas and outdoor workspaces to be inspected and critical areas of pedestrian movements and work areas are illuminated sufficiently taking in to account any shadows that me be initiated by other objects
• Daily inspections of work areas are undertaken and any unsafe conditions or concerns to be raised through line management and recorded on Intelex
• Housekeeping inspections are to be undertaken regularly to ensure equipment is stored in a safe manner and any items or areas not meeting minimum standards are improved and those with the responsibilities are held accountable
• Areas of specified equipment is sufficiently identified by clear signage and instruction