Worker Struck by Excavator Bucket

In a recent incident that occured at night, a worker was killed after being struck by an excavator bucket.. The excavator was backfilling quarry dust to the voids at the sides of a newly constructed box culvert wall. The worker was standing near the piles of quarry dust when the bucket struck him. He passed away in hospital a few days later.

Photograph was taken after the piles of quarry dust had been removed

Recommendations*:

Stakeholders involved in similar work situations can undertake control measures such as the following to prevent recurrence:

1. During night work, workers should don personal protective equipment that increases visibility, such as reflective tape and vests, that can help improve their safety at work.

2. Prior to the start of any work, conduct an adequate risk assessment to identify all hazards and the risks involved. Control measures and safe work procedures must be established and implemented.

3. It is recommended that works that involve heavy machinery be carried out during the day, where visibility is better. This would eliminate or mitigate hazards associated with night work, for instance, reduced visibility, machine operator impairment or inattention, fatigue, lack of adequate lighting etc.

4. Ensure adequate illumination is provided when carrying out work. For more details, refer to SS 531:2008 Code of Practice for Lighting of Work Places.

5. Establish detailed method statements and safe work procedures that are specific to the tasks. The safe work procedures must be communicated to and understood by the workers carrying out the work and adhered to. It is important to detail out separate safe work procedures for day and night work, due to the significant difference in environmental conditions.

6. All persons involved in the work must be adequately trained to be competent for the job, as well as be aware of the risks and the safety precautions required. Workers who were not involved in the work should not be allowed near areas where work is done using heavy machinery.

7. Supervise workers adequately to ensure assigned tasks are carried out in a safe manner. The responsibilities of supervisors include regular inspections to identify and manage hazards at the worksite. The supervisor should ensure that safe work procedures are adhered to.

For more information on Workplace Safety and Health, please refer to the following links below:

• Workplace Safety and Health Act (Chapter 354A), please click HERE
• Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations, please click HERE
• Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations, please click HERE
• Workplace Safety and Health (Construction) Regulations, please click HERE
• Code of Practice on WSH Risk Management, please click HERE
• CP 18 : 1992 Code of Practice for Earthworks, available from SPRING Singapore
• SS 531: 2008 Code of Practice for Lighting of Work Places, available from SPRING Singapore
• SS 562 : 2010 on Code of Practice for Safety in Trenches, Pits and Other Excavated Areas, available from SPRING Singapore

*Pls note the recommendations are not exhaustive.

Original Source: Received from WSH Council via e-mail.