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Discussion of the Second Tree Worker Accident Case StudyRead the Second Case StudyJump Down to CTPA Member Comments The following is from the newsletter: Now that you have read this story what do you think? This is largely a true story, based on true events. Does it somehow sound familiar to you? Might you have done something similar? Lets break this story down and look at some of the particulars about what happened here. The ANSI Z133.1 the safety standard provides a very comprehensive outline as to how to work safely. It is an important document to know, with specific sections very relevant to this situation such as Section 4.1.3 on job briefings and all of Section 9.6 on brush removal and chipping. The ANSI standard is a good reference to use but much of this situation is very straight-forward and human. It is about equipment and how we equipment use it. Let us start there. Equipment There was a problem with the chipper at the yard, but this is not about chipper mal-function. Was the chipper being operated properly? Did the two people using the equipment know the proper way to operate it? Specifically, had they read the operating manual, or had the operating manual explained to them? Where they aware of the importance of never putting your hands inside of the chute and the need to use a push stick? Work Procedures One thing that all three workers in this situation had in common is that they worked for the same company. What company policies were in play on this job or should have been in play? Is it company policy for all workers who are operating equipment to know the manufacturers recommendations? What about the use of a push stick should that have been in company policy? And, who is responsible for seeing that company policy is being carried out? People Issues You dont have to be Dr. Phil to see that there are people issues in this scenario. Todd, justifiably or not, has a problem with the crew leader. Did this affect his attitude and his job performance? Was Todd even aware that his attitude might be compromising his safety? And, who should have been there to help him out? In sports, opponents regularly use trash talk to psych out a player and throw him or her off her game. But that is someone from the other team! On the job site, we should all be on the same team. We should be watching out for each other, helping each other out. This is not meant to be Polly-Anna-ish. Think about how that would have helped here if the crew leader or the third crew member had reminded Todd about the push stick. Might that day not had a different, and better, outcome? Member CommentsOne member has already written in commenting on the lack of importance the above commentary gave to training - stating the proper training and a willingness on the part of employers to put inexperienced workers in the field before they are ready are also considerable factors in this scenario. Any other thoughts? Please feel free to send your comments to the CTPA Website - click here. Be safe!
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