Contractor Safety Share

Aerial Lift Malfunction Causes Near Miss
    

          
Two contract workers were in the process of repairing a potable water line in a pipe arbor approximately 25 feet off of the ground.  After the two workers had raised their aerial lift basekt to the desired height, they started to extend the aerial lift basket towards the pipe arbor.  As the workers started to extend the basket, they felt a sudden jerk.  When the two workers felt the jerk, they looked down towards the lift and noticed a hydraulic hose was extremely tight and rubbing significantly against the metal where the hydraulic hoses exit the upper boom section of the aerial lift.  After noticing what was causing the jerking motion, and realizing the potential severity of the situation, the employees immediately lowered themselves to the ground and notified their supervisor.
   

Factors to consider at your site and/or project include, but not limited to the following:

• Always perform inspections on aerial lifts before using.
• Workers using aerial lifts should be properly trained.
• Ensure lifts are given required inspections based on manufacturer's specifications (i.e., daily, monthly, and annual).
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Always wear the proper PPE for the job. 

• Date Contractor Safety Flash posted for all employees to review: _______________
• Safety Talk meeting date: _______________
• Full employee attendance and participation at safety meeting to review this incident (documentation required).
• Employees understand urgency in protecting themselves and others.
• Supervisors and Employees are clear which items shared in this Safety Flash are mandatory.
• Employees/Supervisors will focus on recommended actions during future work activities of a similar nature.