Safety Flash
UK HSE: Worker fell into lift shaft – safety controls bypassed
UK HSE: Worker fell into lift shaft – safety controls bypassed
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 13/20
- Control of WorkMachinery and EquipmentWorking at Height
- Falls from heightMechanical failure
- Manual handling
- Machine guardingOperating and work proceduresSafety communication
- Onshore facility
Summary
A worker moving a loaded trolley in a hangar suffered life-changing injuries after falling into a lift shaft. Although the exact cause was not established, investigators found faulty lift doors and routine bypassing of safety devices using an emergency release key. The flash highlights withdrawal from service or alternative working arrangements and communication.
Classifications: Falls from height; fall from height.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Manual handling; manual lifting.
Classifications: Machine guarding; machinery guards; machine guards.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
a 34-year-old employee was moving a loaded lift trolley in the tool department of a hangar when he fell into the lift shaft to the bottom floor and suffered life-changing injuries
IMCA SF 13/20. Themes: control of work, machinery and equipment, working at height.