Please read below the latest three Safety Alerts relating to our Global operations.
You can read all three Safety Alerts on the UK News download page HERE
Managers, please discuss the Alerts and the wider learning points with your teams and ensure they are displayed on relevant notice boards.
Global Safety Alert
The Global Safety Alert relates to an incident outside of the UK. It explains how a worker on a construction site tragically died when the arm of a concrete pump, hired by the company, collapsed and struck him. The Alert contains learning points relevant to safety management across our operations and to each of us personally.
As you will see, the pump supplier did not operate a preventative maintenance scheme and, while daily checks were carried out, additional weekly checks were missing. Robust maintenance schemes carried out by trained / competent persons and incorporating in house / independent inspections as appropriate are essential in reducing the risk of injury from equipment.
Specifically, with regards to concrete pumps, manufacturers and industry recommend everyone keeps clear of the delivery hose and placing boom at the start of the delivery, until the concrete is flowing freely, or whenever there is a blockage. The person guiding the hose during the pour should not stand directly beneath the placing boom and must have visual contact with the pump operator, i.e. they should stand to the side, out of the line of fire from the placing boom should it collapse. Furthermore, there are regulatory requirements for the formal inspection of such equipment that must be complied with, and it is essential the personnel involved are trained and competent in the safety procedures.
Cemex Global Protocols require all fatal alerts to be communicated and Managers to capture the signature of employees and contractors to confirm they have received and understood the information and the control measures they need to adopt. In addition, operations are invited to observe a one-minute silence in memory of the deceased at the time of discussing a fatal incident Safety Alert.
UK Safety Alert
The latest UK Safety Alert relates to a recent incident where a driver suffered a wound to his leg when he walked into the end of an Armco barrier, that required stitches. When reviewing the Alert with your teams it would be worth considering whether there are any sharp edges on barriers, handrails, etc. which can be protected to reduce the risk of future injury. You can view the Video Alert HERE.
The latest UK Video Safety Alert shows a High Potential incident (HiPo) where it was extremely fortunate no one was injured when two wheels detached from the rear axle of a tipper truck while it was travelling along a dual carriageway in London. The incident underlines the significance of ensuring vendors / contractors are competent and safe systems of work are followed, in this case relating to vehicle stud torquing requirements. It also highlights the importance of pre-start vehicle checks and wheel nut indicators.
Spanish Safety Alert
The latest Safety Alert from Spain relates to a recent incident where a third-party car driver tragically suffered fatal injuries in a head on collision with a contracted truck that was working on our behalf.
The Alert highlights the importance of always being fit and alert when behind the wheel and not distracted by the likes of mobile phone use… two of our Driving Essentials.
The Global Standard for Mobile Phone Use While Driving is included with the Alert and the Safe Use of Mobile Phones, UK Standard is on the UK News download page HERE. The UK Standards expand on the Global requirements, as a general rule prohibiting mobile phone use in operational areas, and specifically while driving mobile equipment or operating designated hazardous machinery.
Using a mobile phone while driving significantly increases the risk of a collision. The World Health Organisation state drivers who use a phone are approximately four times more likely to be involved in an accident; it has been reported that reaction times are slower when using a mobile phone while driving than when over the legal alcohol limit.
Driving is something most of us do in our day to day lives. Please discuss this Alert with your teams and post it on relevant notice boards, taking the opportunity to remind everyone of the company requirements, which are intended to help keep us and other road users safe.
As individuals, we can avoid injury by ensuring we STOP & THINK / Take 5 before starting a new task, taking time to consider how we ensure we stay out of the “line of fire”. We should also STEP IN / Take 5 Together if we see anyone who may be in the line of fire.
Look after yourself and each other.
Health and Safety information and resources can be found at the following location https://cemex.sharepoint.com/sites/UKHealthandSafety/SitePages/Safety-Alerts.aspx?web=1