Sadly, this week there was a Global Safety Alert, which details the death of a Trainee Plant Attendant in one of our operations overseas, is particularly relevant to Cement Operations, there are learning points we can all take from it.

The Alert includes a link to a video that helps illustrate the circumstances of this tragic incident.

As you will see, the investigation identified the following shortfalls:

• The Standard Operating Procedures were not followed
• Task specific personal protective equipment (PPE) was not worn
• The Permit to Work was not issued by the correct Supervisor, or discussed with the team doing the work
• Those involved did not do a pre task risk assessment, Take 5, before this higher risk activity

It would be appreciated if all operations could review the Alert with their teams, highlighting the need to ensure people are competent for the work they are doing, or under close and effective supervision, follow the necessary safe systems of work, ensure Permit to Work procedures are robust, carry out a Take 5 assessment before carrying out relevant tasks, and always wear the correct PPE.

Please also display the Alert on relevant noticeboards.  This can be found in the download section of the UK News website:  Global Alert Employee fatally injured by hot material (748 downloads)

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.

Before starting any new task always STOP, THINK…& CHECK it is safe, and always STEP IN if you see anything unsafe.