PDO recently suffered a tragic incident where a helper was fatally crushed by the rotating counterweight of a mobile crane. He used the outrigger as a step to climb up onto the bed of the crane to retrieve slings from the toolbox which had been fitted by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

The investigation team identified an almost identical incident occurred in PDO in 2003 but on that occasion the helper managed to alert the crane driver in time and serious injury was prevented.

The team also identified alternative crush points on other mobile cranes including the inappropriate placement of spare wheels. As part of the PDO HSE MS requirement for continual improvement all PDO contractors involved using mobile cranes are required to immediately conduct a risk assessment of their fleet of cranes in relation to their operational hazards and identification and removal of any similar crush points.

Urgent remedial action to prevent a recurrence of this incident is also required to include locking/removal/redesign or relocation of the toolboxes/wheels. Modification requires approval of OEM.

Urgent engagement of the workforce in relation to reiterate the fact that compliance with lifting rules and not accessing the crane at any time during operations is non negotiable.

Retain evidence of action as the RSST will conduct random assurance checks.

http://www.pdo.co.om/hseforcontractors/online_library/itemdetails.asp?id=20121006155939&cat=3