Improvised lift technique amputates worker’s thumb
The purpose of this Safety Alert is to highlight the dangers of using improvised lifting techniques with an excavator’s dipper arm to move heavy objects.
Background
A civil construction worker suffered a crush injury at a Palmerston worksite which severed their thumb in early August this year.
The incident occurred when the injured worker attempted to remove concrete pavers from underneath steel road trench plates, as the trench plates were being lifted.
Instead of connecting a hook and chain to the designated lifting point on the trench plate and lifting using the excavator, a decision was made to push up the trench plate using the quick hitch lug on the dipper arm.
The trench plate slipped off the quick hitch lug as it was being lifted causing the incident.
Possible contributing factors
- The quick hitch lug on the dipper arm was used as an improvised lifting point.
- The metal trench plate could have slipped off the quick hitch lug due to metal-on-metal slippage.
- The worker’s hands were in the crush zone, and the worker in the lift exclusion zone, as the excavator was lifting the trench plate.
- The lift was a non-routine lift and did not follow the worksites safe operating procedure for lifting with excavator attachments.
Action required
- Always use manufacturer designated lifting points on the dipper arm with approved lifting equipment to lift objects.
- Workers must be clear of the lift exclusion zone in case of falling objects, swinging loads, or equipment failure.
- Always follow established safe operating procedures.
- Before starting a non-routine lift, undertake a risk assessment by identifying the hazards, assessing the risks and implementing the control measures.
Further information
For further information, please refer to the following:
Codes of Practice
Guidance Material
- Using earthmoving machinery as a crane to suspend a load (WorkSafe WA)
- Earthmoving equipment to lift loads (SafeWork SA)
Disclaimer
This Safety Alert contains safety information following inquires made by NT WorkSafe about an incident or unsafe practice. The information contained in this Alert does not necessarily include the outcome of NT WorkSafe’s action with respect to an incident. NT WorkSafe does not warrant the information in this Alert is complete or up-to-date and does not accept any liability for the information in this report or as to its use.