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What happened?
Following the failure of a fire door, a bolt needed to be tightened.
As it was a short task, the use of a ladder was approved in the work permit.
During the operation, the automatic door triggered, causing the worker to lose balance and fall.
The emergency team onsite intervened and the worker was transported to the hospital.
He was treated for lumbar sprain and was released from the hospital the same day.
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Why did it happen?
The accidental release of the closing door mechanism caused the ladder to lose stability.
The ladder was not held by a second person.
The wall support was not fixed.
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What did they learn?
When working on or near moving parts:
- ensure they are inoperative before starting work.
- always consider the risk of accidental moves and take safety measures.
Do not work at height without a safety harness when there is no collective protective equipment.
Use ladders only by exception and where risks have been eliminated. Otherwise, use a fixed or mobile work platform or scaffolding with appropriate collective protection.
Ensure a second person is permanently present during the work to supervise the activity and secure the ladder.
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Ask yourself or your crew
What could they have done differently?
How can something like this happen here?
What moving parts are nearby? What hazards do they pose and what can we do about them?
What are the risks of using a ladder? How do these compare to the risks of using a platform or scaffold?
For today’s job, what extra protection can we put in place to ensure safety?
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What happened?
Following the failure of a fire door, a bolt needed to be tightened.
As it was a short task, the use of a ladder was approved in the work permit.
During the operation, the automatic door triggered, causing the worker to lose balance and fall.
The emergency team onsite intervened and the worker was transported to the hospital.
He was treated for lumbar sprain and was released from the hospital the same day.
Why did it happen?
The accidental release of the closing door mechanism caused the ladder to lose stability.
The ladder was not held by a second person.
The wall support was not fixed.
What did they learn?
When working on or near moving parts:
- ensure they are inoperative before starting work.
- always consider the risk of accidental moves and take safety measures.
Do not work at height without a safety harness when there is no collective protective equipment.
Use ladders only by exception and where risks have been eliminated. Otherwise, use a fixed or mobile work platform or scaffolding with appropriate collective protection.
Ensure a second person is permanently present during the work to supervise the activity and secure the ladder.
Ask yourself or your crew
What could they have done differently?
How can something like this happen here?
What moving parts are nearby? What hazards do they pose and what can we do about them?
What are the risks of using a ladder? How do these compare to the risks of using a platform or scaffold?
For today’s job, what extra protection can we put in place to ensure safety?
While tightening a bolt on a fire door, the worker lost balance and fell from a ladder. He was treated for lumbar sprain and was released from hospital the same day.
