MAJOR CONTRACTOR TAKES DECISIVE ACTON ON MEWP SAFETY
Skanska to ban boom type MEWPS not fitted with added anti-crush protection
It has been reported that Skanska UK has announced it will “ensure from January 2012 that all its boom-elevated work platforms are fitted with additional crush protection”. By April 2012 all company subcontractors will be required to use “compliant cherrypickers”.
There have been number of MEWP operator deaths in recent years involving crush injuries or asphyxiation, often after inadvertent operation of the controls and being pinned between the MEWP and an overhead obstruction e.g. steelwork. The deaths prompted an HSE Safety Notice and Industry Guidance on the risk and recommended precautions.
Skanska UK Director for H&S, Dylan Roberts, said:
“Following a tragedy in 2008 we felt it imperative to make a step change in the training and competence of users of MEWPs and the introduction of additional safety measures. I am very pleased that we have finally been able to take this step. We encourage the UK construction industry to follow suit.”
Other major contractors are thought to be in discussions with MEWP hire companies which are able to supply machines with additional anti-crushing protection.
Comment
The move by Skanska UK is very positive and demonstrates a determination to minimise the risk of entrapment when using MEWPS. We are aware of a least three systems currently available on the market:
- SkySiren – by Nationwide Platforms “stops the boom immediately, sounds the alarm to alert the “on the ground buddy” for emergency descent and rescue”.
- Sanctuary Zone – by AFI Uplift “to protect against overhead crushing incidents in boom lifts”
- SiOPS – by Nifty a “Sustained Involuntary Operation Prevention System”
Vertikal has published an article on such systems which readers may find interesting.
Latest Construction Health and Safety News
BULK BAG COLLAPSE CAUSED BY UNSAFE STACKING
Bulk bag collapsed onto workman when struck by fork lift
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 9th December 2019INTERLOCKED GUARD NOT WORKING TO ISOLATE POWER
Two workmen seriously injured when plant started unexpectedly
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 9th December 2019STREET FURNITURE RISK TO PUBLIC FINED £1.4M
Council prosecuted following injury to child playing on hinged bollard
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 9th December 2019WORKMEN SUFFER SERIOUS BURNS FROM CABLE STRIKE
Assessment and system of work failed to appreciate electrical risk
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 29th November 2019LADDERS WERE INAPPROPRIATE FOR WORK ON ROOF
Workman paralysed after falling whilst installing roof ladder
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 28th November 2019FIRM FAILED TO MANAGE EXHAUST VENTILATION
HSE enforcement notices on wood dust and welding fume ignored
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 27th November 2019RECALCITRANT DIRECTOR BARRED FROM OFFICE
Dangerous telehandler used despite earlier fatality and enforcement
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 25th November 2019DIRECTOR HID UNSAFE WORKING PRACTICES FROM HSE
Workers exposed to sprayed paints containing asthma causing isocyantes
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 25th November 2019JAIL TERM FOR CONTRACTOR CAUSING GAS RISK
Roofer sentenced after work caused carbon monoxide release
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 22nd November 2019UNSTABLE STAIRCASE COLLAPSE DURING REFURB WORK
Workman not informed of staircase hazard suffered serious injury
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 22nd November 2019UNUSED SEAT BELT WAS “COMMON PRACTICE” ON SITE
Overturning dumper truck caused death of operators at spoil heap
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 22nd November 2019SELECTED NEWS POSTED RECENTLY ON TWITTER
![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](https://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
Links to other construction health and safety related news reports
HSE LOOK TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES FOR CDM SUPPORT
Council Inspectors focus on CDM client duties – asbestos, fragility and RCS
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th November 2019VERBAL WARNING OF DANGER IS NO DEFENCE
Hand of female worker entangled in modified metal drilling rig
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th November 2019UNDERGROUND CABLE STRIKE CAUSES 50% BURNS
Workman seriously injured using hand-held breaker to excavate post holes
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th November 2019HSE WELDING FUME REVISED GUIDANCE PUBLISHED
New research evidence on cancer link prompts revision on welding fume
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th November 2019VIBRATION MANAGEMENT FAILINGS FINED £600,000
Vital health surveillance, tool replacement and management found wanting
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th November 2019HSE ENFORCEMENT DATABASE LATEST UPDATE
View current online register of HSE prosecutions and enforcement notices
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 31st October 2019DEVELOPER AND DIRECTOR PUT PUBLIC AT RISK
Demolition undertaken without surveys and effective safety precautions
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 28th October 2019BY-PASSING MACHINE INTERLOCK FINED £1.275 MILLION
Trapped key safety system failed to prevent access to conveyor danger
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 24th October 2019HSE LOSES PATIENCE WITH ERRANT CONTRACTOR
Roofing firm fined £30,000 over failure to manage work at height risks
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 24th October 2019TRUSS ERECTION LACKED INTERNAL FALL PROTECTION
Carpenter fell and injured whilst falling with roof truss
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 24th October 2019WORKMAN FELL HEAD FIRST THROUGH ROOFLIGHT
Fragile roof dangers not assessed and properly controlled
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 24th October 2019STRUCTURAL SAFETY BODY LATEST NEWSLETTER
CROSS publishes reports and expert comment on a range of issues
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 18th October 2019HSE RISK REDUCTION THROUGH DESIGN AWARD
Regulator seeks to promote hazard avoidance and risk minimisation
Posted on 18th October 2019
