Overhead protection (orange arrows) on a boom lift platform
According to a report by the Workplace Safety and Health Council (Singapore), three workers over the last 3 months were fatally injured whilst carrying out work activities using the mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
In each incident, the deceased worker was trapped between the MEWP and an object while working at height in a confined overhead space . Here are some tips for minimising the risk of a fatal MEWP incident from occurring:
1. Conduct Risk Assessment Before Starting Work
A risk assessment must be carried out before starting any work. Through the risk assessment, employers and workers can identify potential hazards and take appropriate actions to eliminate or reduce the risks involved. Control measures and safe work procedures must then be established, communicated and implemented to ensure the safety and health of the workers involved.
If there is any overhead structure of object which the operator could be crushed against, especially in a confined overhead area, the MEWP is to be equipped with overhead protection (see image on right side of page).
2. Training for MEWP Operators
Only authorised personnel who have been adequately trained in the safe operation of MEWP are allowed to operate it. The training provided must not be merely a briefing on the operating controls of the MEWP. It must be comprehensive in nature with adequate number of hours on supervised hands-on operation. Training must cover at least the following: (a) operations knowledge of the MEWP, (b) the safety features, and (c) inspection of MEWPs. Assessment should be carried out to examine if the person has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to operate the MEWP competently and safely.
3. MEWP Operations
A MEWP must no be travelled with the boom extended or platform raised unless it is specifically designed to be used in this way. This will prevent the occupants of the MEWP from being struck against or caught in between structures or objects such as overhead piping or beams. Additionally, greater stability is achieved and the chance of imbalance and tipping over of the the MEWP is reduced.
4. Sufficient Lightings / Visual Perception
All work activities performed on the MEWP must be carried out with sufficient lighting to the immediate and surrounding work area. Poor lighting condition would affect a person’s proximity perception, be it lateral, diagonal or depth perception, leading to dangerous work practice.
*** The above tips are by the Workplace Safety and Health Council of Singapore. For more helpful workplace safety information, please visit www.wshc.gov.sg.
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