16 April, 2024

Reducing trapping and crushing injuries

Aerial work platforms are acknowledged to be one of the safest and most efficient means of providing enabling temporary working at height. In some work situations, however, operators have been trapped/crushed between the machine’s platform/basket and an overhead obstruction. This has resulted in a significant number of major injuries and fatalities. In some of these incidents, the operator’s body has been forced over the control panel, holding the controls in the “on position”, increasing the severity of any injuries.

Causes of entrapment

The following tasks/actions are the most common causes of entrapment, when a machine is operated close to an obstruction: 

  • The AWP Rising
  • The operator inadvertently operating the controls (e.g knocking the controls, controls not to operator expectations) 
  • Reversing, slewing, or elevating into an obstruction 
  • Manoeuvring/positioning either the AWP platform or base unit 
  • Steering the AWP on fwp-block-list ull lock 
  • Driving the AWP forwards or telescoping in the platform 
  • Unexpected movement of the boom near to an obstruction/structure
  • Reversing the machine’s base unit or telescoping out the platform
  • Increasing risk of entrapment

    What increases the risk of entrapment? The points listed below may increase risk when operating an AWP close to an obstruction / structure:

  • Poor AWP route planning
  • Poor AWP selection and set up
  • Insufficient AWP familiarisation and lack of experience
  • Uneven ground especially with boom extended or elevated
  • Poor visibility at height
  • Poor observation, unaware of surroundings
  • Distractions when operating AWP, including other occupants 
  • Objects placed on or near the control panel
  • Overriding AWP controls and safety devices (including secondary-guarding)
  • Accidental operation of controls
  • Operating the wrong control or unfamiliar with controls
  • Driving in the wrong direction whilst the platform is rotated
  • Using fawp-block-list ulty or poorly maintained AWPs
  • Weather/environmental conditions 
  • Poor operator behaviour
  • Lack of sufficient/appropriate supervision, such as Spotter
  • AWPs showp-block-list uld only be operated by trained operators
  • High drive speeds, lack of care, overconfidence
  • Common rescue issues

    Once trapped, rescue can often be hampered. This may occur for example when no one knows the person is trapped, the emergency rescue plan was not practised or communicated or there is no key in ground level controls, limiting the ability to use ground level controls in an emergency. Also, the AWP platform might be moved through multiple levels of steel work or complex structures, or familiarity with ground controls and emergency descent controls might be lacking. 

    Ways to reduce the risk of entrapment

    Working close to overhead structures and obstructions should be regarded as an operation with a higher risk. If you are expected to carry out this sort of work, you should ensure that the following issues have been properly addressed and that management have explained the steps taken to minimise entrapment risks in a pre-start briefing. Follow these steps:

  • Plan the AWP route carefwp-block-list ully
  • Select the AWP carefwp-block-list ully
  • Ensure familiarisation is specific
  • Ensure good ground conditions
  • Ensure good visibility at height
  • Do not override the AWP controls or use fawp-block-list ulty AWPs.
  • Has someone been trapped or crushed? REACT IMMEDIATELY! There are only a few minutes to rescue and resuscitate them. Follow your emergency rescue plan and use every second!

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