Safety Alerts detailing two Lost Time Injuries suffered by colleagues as a result of falls in the UK last month have been circulated. In both cases the injured persons suffered serious injuries that will keep them off work for some time.
In the first incident, a contract cleaner suffered a 6” to 8” deep wound to her calf when the office front door she was passing through collapsed; the cleaner had been made aware the door was faulty and advised not to use it, but apparently didn’t follow this instruction. This is one of a number of office related incidents in recent years across the Europe Region. It is a reminder of the importance of ensuring our safety comes first in all our workplaces, including offices, and the need to ensure robust contractor management arrangements are in place for all contractors. The Alert includes a number of Review Points that can be applied across the business, including: the need to follow safe systems / rules and instructions, the requirement for exclusion warning barriers to prevent access to hazard areas, and whether preventative maintenance schemes cover all necessary equipment and buildings.
The second Alert outlines an incident where a company Electrician broke his arm as he stepped down from a pontoon that had been brought to shore for maintenance work. While there had been good preparation for the work, the incident highlights the need to consider access requirements for all activities being carries out and the benefit of involving everyone who will work on a task in the planning phase.
We wish our colleagues full and speedy recoveries from their injuries.
Please discuss these Alerts (download here: https://cemexuknews.co.uk/downloads) with your teams, including contractors, and where gaps in control measures are identified, ensure actions are implemented to minimise the risk of further injury.
Safety Alerts should also be posted on notice boards.
HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION AND RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION https://cemex.sharepoint.com/sites/UKHealthandSafety