An uptick in serious accidents and high potential incidents (HPI) has raised concerns within the Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) inspectorate in regards to lifting and rigging activities.
Loads being drifted or where chain blocks and lever hoists were employed are among the focus of the RSHQ. The HPIs reported have involved coal mine workers being struck, or nearly struck, by loads that were being lifted, lowered or suspended.
The failure of lifting equipment can potentially result in dropped loads and failures in rigging equipment can potentially result in an uncontrolled vertical or horizontal movement of the load, according to the RSHQ.
“All lifting operations can pose significant risk, including fatalities to people. Operators report that many lifting and rigging incidents have occurred during what are perceived as low risk operations,” the RSHQ said.
When selecting, maintaining and using lifting equipment, the RSHQ has suggested additional considerations should be given to the following items:
- Reviewing lifting equipment management plans
- Designing installations with consideration given to the life cycle of the plant or equipment
- Completing lifting or rigging plans for every lifting or rigging operation
- Seeking appropriate competent engineering advice in the design and selection of equipment
- Considering the rating and yield load of all components when designing the lift
- Safe standing or exclusion zones should be established for lifting and landing areas
- Selection of appropriate lifting equipment for the specific lifting application
- Review of lifting training course content as suited to the lifting tasks being undertaken
- The provision of adequate information to protect workers from risk when carrying out lifting tasks
The RSHQ has made recommendations that senior site executives, supervisors and coal mine workers all understand, comply and enact different safety measures that are involved with their different tasks.