Worker killed in elevating work platform incident

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure the risks associated with EWPs are controlled. You must consider various risk controls and choose those that most effectively eliminate or minimise the risk in the circumstances. Managing the risks of operating an EWP often requires a combination of controls.

Secondary guarding

Where there is a risk of crushing against a fixed structure, an effective operator protective device needs to be fitted, so far as is reasonably practicable.

These devices are commonly known as secondary guarding and may include, but are not limited to:

• physical barriers attached to the platform, which reduce the likelihood of employees being crushed against structures.
• pressure sensing devices positioned over the control panel, which detect pending crush incidents and prevent further hazardous movements.
• proximity sensing devices which prevent an EWP’s platform from manoeuvring into high-risk areas near to fixed structures.
  (Source: Safety Alert - Employee crushed while using elevating work platform - WorkSafe Victoria.)
• devices that stop the EWP when the operator’s body moves suddenly.

Safe System of Work

Develop a safe system of work for the use of EWPs, this could include, but is not limited to the following:

• Pre-work inspection of the EWP should include inspection of the following devices and controls:
  • warning devices
  • deadman controls
  • drive, steering and braking controls
  • tyres.
• Ensure that any construction sequencing is assessed to minimise the risk of using an EWP in restricted spaces. This may require consultation with the designer of a structure to ensure that the construction methodology eliminates or minimises crush and other hazards.
• Planning EWP operations as early as possible through consultation, cooperation and coordination with everyone engaged in the work. Where possible, sequence the building works so that adequate room is available to safely operate the EWP and the risk of the platform or boom becoming caught on an obstruction is minimised. In some situations, building fixtures, such as cable trays and pipework, can make it more difficult to operate an EWP safely. In these situations, alternative means of safe access should be considered.
• Ensuring the EWP is only used on a solid level surface, unless it is designed for use on rough terrain.
• Check for hazards on the ground or overhead, and that the operator is fully aware of their surroundings at all times.
• Ensure appropriate control measures are in place to minimise risk of collision by mobile plant or other vehicle operating in the vicinity.
• Operate the EWP in creep mode when near fixed structures.
• Don’t travel with a raised platform, especially where the ground is uneven.
• Don’t drive EWPs through doorways while operating from the platform.
• Where there is restricted headroom, walk the EWP using the ground controls or other mobile control device.
• All distractions should be avoided including mobile phones and conversations with other workers.
• EWP controls can differ between makes and models, so operators need to know four things in particular for the type and model of EWP being used:
  • where the operator's manual is kept, and what's in it;
  • the purpose and function of all controls;
  • what safety devices are fitted that are specific to that make and model; and
  • how to lower the platform in an emergency.
• All EWP operators and ground staff should be trained in the purpose and function of the controls, the fitted safety devices, and how to lower the platform in an emergency.
• Operators must be competent and provided with adequate training, including familiarisation training for each specific make and model of EWP they use. If the EWP has a boom of 11 metres or longer, the operator must hold a high-risk work licence.
• Particular attention should be paid to the orientation of the EWP relative to the controls to minimise the inadvertent movement of the plant in the wrong direction (e.g., forward instead of reverse).

Operators must ensure the safe working load (SWL), or maximum rated capacity of the platform is not exceeded:

• The movement of the EWP should be planned, slow and deliberate and when navigating difficult obstructions having a spotter will assist the operator.
• Supervisors and spotters should be trained and on site whenever an EWP is being used.
• Due to the importance of a prompt rescue, EWP operators should never operate an EWP alone.
• Safe work method statements are required for all high-risk construction work.
• Ensuring training and instruction are provided to workers in the use of fall arrest equipment.

Depending on the task, any remaining risk must be minimised with suitable personal protective equipment (for example hard hats, gloves, protective footwear, eye protection, and high visibility clothing).

The control measures you put in place should be reviewed regularly to make sure they work as planned.