A worker was momentarily trapped between moving and stationary sea containers after a container shifted unexpectedly during a non-routine forklift operation to facilitate a quarantine inspection.
A sea container moved after the forklift operator lifted its lid. The worker managed to withdraw without injury, although they went to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Site management preserved the scene before a WorkSafe inspector attended and reminded everyone of the exclusion zone and pedestrian-plant separation requirements.
Findings
Exclusion zones and pedestrian–plant separation were not maintained because the worker was too close to the operating mobile plant, which created a foreseeable crushing hazard and potential for a serious incident. The non-routine task lacked specific risk controls.
Takeaways
- Sites must maintain pedestrian–plant separation at all times.
- Traffic management and exclusion zones must reflect real site conditions, and mine operators must enforce them consistently.
- Non-routine tasks require dedicated planning and supervision.
Summary
Employees can sustain serious injuries when employers expose them to mobile equipment without effective controls. Sites must plan, verify and enforce critical controls, exclusion zones and safe operating procedures for all tasks, especially non-routine work.
