Hand injury when inspecting crane hoist wire rope

What happened?

Subcontractor arranged for an inspector to attend and carry out a statutory lifting inspection on a quayside crane.

The inspector attends the Toolbox Talks (TBT) briefings given by subcontractor and was given a brief about the ongoing operations, in and around where the inspection would be carried out.

Part of inspecting the main crane hoist wire rope, involved the Inspector physically touching the hoist wire rope with their hand, to feel for any wire breaks deformities and damage etc.

As the Crane Operator was feeding the hoist wire rope out, the rope pinched the inspector's glove, the Inspector immediately shouted stop, the Crane Operator stopped the hoist.

The Inspectors hand was nipped by the wire rope, causing 2 x 2mm (0.08 inch) cuts, one to their index finger and the other to their ring finger.

Why did it happen?

The Safe system of work (SSoW) was not followed correctly, the injured person (IP) touched the wire that was going in the direction of the drum.

The SSoW did not provide specific details on how an inspection should be conducted. For example, visual or manual.

The IP failed to identify the potential hazard of catching their fingers / hand, whilst conducting this inspection.

What did they learn?

Ensure all personnel conducting work activities follow the Safe system of work and do not deviate.

Safe system of work must be very specific on how an inspection should be carried out. For example, visual or manual.

All parties involved in the work activity, must ensure Setting To Work is followed correctly.

Ask yourself or your crew

How can something like this happen here (e.g. on our site)?

What supervision is in place for the task to take place, and is it adequate?

Does the Safe system of work specify how the inspections should be carried out?

What steps can we take to better identify and communicate potential pinch points during lifting inspections?

What happened?

Subcontractor arranged for an inspector to attend and carry out a statutory lifting inspection on a quayside crane.
The inspector attends the Toolbox Talks (TBT) briefings given by subcontractor and was given a brief about the ongoing operations, in and around where the inspection would be carried out.
Part of inspecting the main crane hoist wire rope, involved the Inspector physically touching the hoist wire rope with their hand, to feel for any wire breaks deformities and damage etc.
As the Crane Operator was feeding the hoist wire rope out, the rope pinched the inspector's glove, the Inspector immediately shouted stop, the Crane Operator stopped the hoist.
The Inspectors hand was nipped by the wire rope, causing 2 x 2mm (0.08 inch) cuts, one to their index finger and the other to their ring finger.
Why did it happen?

The Safe system of work (SSoW) was not followed correctly, the injured person (IP) touched the wire that was going in the direction of the drum.
The SSoW did not provide specific details on how an inspection should be conducted. For example, visual or manual.
The IP failed to identify the potential hazard of catching their fingers / hand, whilst conducting this inspection.
What did they learn?

Ensure all personnel conducting work activities follow the Safe system of work and do not deviate.
Safe system of work must be very specific on how an inspection should be carried out. For example, visual or manual.
All parties involved in the work activity, must ensure Setting To Work is followed correctly.
Ask yourself or your crew

How can something like this happen here (e.g. on our site)?
What supervision is in place for the task to take place, and is it adequate?
Does the Safe system of work specify how the inspections should be carried out?
What steps can we take to better identify and communicate potential pinch points during lifting inspections?