SUBSCRIBE GALLERY RESOURCES EVENTS

26 February 2018 Ref: 1718217

Accident Advisory: Worker struck by suspended

heavy object

On 13 December 2017, a worker was on board a marine vessel when he was

struck by the suspended luffing jib of a tower crane that was being installed. The worker was about to insert a locking pin to attach the suspended jib to the mast of the tower crane when the jib (measuring about 60m in length and weighing

approximately 9 tonnes) suddenly jerked upwards and hit him on the chest. The worker was immediately conveyed to hospital where he later succumbed to

his injuries.

Figure: A dockside crane was used to lift the jib of the tower crane into position for installation.

Recommendations Persons in control of similar workplaces and work activities such as occupiers and

employers are advised to consider the following risk control measures to prevent similar accidents:

Safe Lifting Operation Establish and implement a lifting plan for all routine and non-routine lifting

operations. The lifting plan should include important information such as the

Dockside crane

Location of accident (tower crane)

Luffing jib of the tower crane being installed

weight of the load, safe installation method, and the selection of lifting machines and lifting gear with adequate capacity for the task. The lifting plan should also consider the safe positions that workers can adopt during lifting and during installation.

Communicate the lifting plan to all workers (including crane operators, riggers and signalmen) and provide the necessary supervision to ensure that the lifting operation is carried out according to the lifting plan.

Check that all loads are securely rigged and properly balanced (i.e., centre of gravity to be directly beneath the hook) before being set in motion. Crane

operators need to work closely with signalman to safely manoeuvre the loads from the point of lift to the destination. With the help of the signalman, crane operators must confirm that workers are in a safe position before manoeuvring

any load.

Worker Competency

Ensure that persons involved in lifting operation and crane installation,

alteration or dismantling are trained and competent in the safe work method for the specific task at hand. Relevant courses include:

- Shipyard Safety Instruction Course for Workers (General Trade) - Shipyard Supervisors Safety Course - Safety Instruction Course for Ship-repair Managers

- Work-At-Height Course for Workers - Work-At-Height Course for Supervisors

- Work-At-Height Course for Managers - Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Supervise Safe Lifting Operations - WSQ Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks

- Workshop to Enhance the Safety of Crane Operation (WESCO) - Approved Crane Erector Course

Authorised Workers

Implement a system to only allow registered crane operators to operate mobile

and tower cranes. Crane operators should undergo familiarisation training before operating cranes of different models or configurations.

Engage only an approved crane contractor to carry out the installation, alteration or dismantling of a crane. For installing or dismantling a tower crane,

the erection team should have at least two approved crane erectors and five crane assistants. The approved crane erectors are responsible for the overall

operation. Approved crane erectors must ensure that the crane is installed, altered or dismantled according to the manufacturer's instructions or under the immediate supervision of an authorised examiner. Crane assistants must be

trained in rigging and signaling to carry out the work safely and competently.

Risk Assessment Conduct a thorough Risk Assessment (RA) for all work activities to control any foreseeable risk that may arise from lifting operations. The RA should look into

the following areas, but not limited to:

1. Adverse weather condition Establish a procedure for issuance of stop work order for lifting operations in

the event of strong winds, lightning and/ or heavy rainfall.

2. Worksite control Cordon off the zone of operations to allow only authorised persons to enter and remain therein. Under no circumstances should any worker or person work/

walk under a suspended load at any time.

Further Information 1. Workplace Safety and Health Act 2. Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations

3. Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations 4. Workplace Safety and Health (Shipbuilding and Ship-Repairing)

Regulations 2008

5. Workplace Safety and Health (Operation of Cranes) Regulations 2011 6. Workplace Safety and Health (Work at Heights) Regulations 2013

7. Code of Practice on Workplace Safety and Health Risk Management 8. Code of Practice on Safe Lifting Operations in the Workplace 9. SS559: 2010 Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes

10. Workplace Safety and Health Manual for Marine Industries 11. Workplace Safety and Health Guidelines on Contractor Management

12. Worker’s Safety Handbook for Crane Operator 13. Worker’s Safety Handbook for Rigger and Signalman 14. Guidebook for Lifting Supervisors

15. Supervisor’s Guidebook for Marine Industries 16. Case Studies for Marine Industry

17. 6 Basic Workplace Safety and Health Rules for Lifting Operations *Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at

2 January 2018. This may be subject to change as investigations are still on-going. Please note that the information provided here is not exhaustive and for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health so that a recurrence may be prevented. The information provided is not to be construed as imply ing any liability to any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.

We regret that we are unable to reply to emails to this address. For enquiries or feedback, please email us at contact@wshc.sg. Visit the WSH Council's website now for updates on WSH-related matters, information and events.

This WSH Bulletin is available free of charge, may be printed or downloaded onto electronic, optical or similar storage media provided

that such activities are for private research, study, or in-house use only. If such material is to be copied or reproduced, users are asked

to ensure that the material is reproduced accurately and not in a misleading context, that the status of the material is identified and to

acknowledge Workplace Safety & Health Council, Singapore as the source of the material.

If you wish to update your WSH Bulletin profile, please click here .

If you do not wish to continue receiving the WSH Bulletin by email, please click here to unsubscribe.