Worker Crushed to Death by Excavator

On 18th November 2019, James Rourke (22), lost his life after being struck and run over by an excavator whist employed by Material Movements Ltd.  The 22-year-old Site Engineer had recently graduated from the University of Birmingham and joined the business just months before the accident.

An investigation undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified significant failings under Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Materials Movement Ltd. pleaded guilty and was fined £133,330 and ordered to pay £8,500 in costs.

According to statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), incidents involving moving vehicles and plant remain a significant cause of workplace fatalities. In the period of 2022 to 2023, there were 20 fatalities in the UK attributed to accidents involving moving vehicles and plant, underscoring the urgency of addressing safety concerns in this area. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by the interaction between people and moving vehicles in the workplace.

The good news is that the risk can, in some cases, be entirely removed, through sufficient planning and management of work activities. Where the risk cannot be removed; simple, proportionate, and cost-effective measures can be implemented to reduce the risk to an acceptable level; for example, information and instruction, designated walkways, barrier systems, crossing points, new and emerging technology, vehicle marshals, cleanliness and maintenance of vehicle cabs, high-visibility Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and so on. A risk assessment, completed by a competent person or persons, will help you identify and select the most appropriate control measures.

Segregation

Segregating people from moving vehicles and plant is a fundamental principle of workplace safety. A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) can significantly improve segregation, however, to remain effective, it must be properly planned, kept under constant review, and communicated to the workplace.

By creating and maintaining physical barriers and designated walkways, organisations can minimise the risk of collisions and accidents. Walkways and crossing points provide clear routes for pedestrians, ensuring they are safely separated from vehicles.

Signage

Signage plays and important role in providing information and instruction to both drivers / operators and pedestrians.  Signage should be unambiguous and positioned in prominent, well-lit locations. Standardised signage should be used in place of ‘self-made’ to ensure consistency and ease of understanding.

Vehicle Marshall / Banksman

The terms 'Vehicle Marshall' and Banksman are interchangeable, both are responsible for directing the movement of vehicles and plant on or around a site. For the purpose of this section, we will refer to 'Banksman'.

Whilst the role is very effective at controlling pedestrian interface, the banksman remains at risk without an approved Safe System of Work. Every year, Banksman suffer serious, life changing injuries and, in some cases, fatal injuries, caused by improper training, poor planning, and various other failings. Standardised hand signals that are easily understood should be used. Unobstructed line of sight between driver / operator and the Banksman must be maintained at all times. The driver / operator must know to stop if line of sight is lost, even for a split second. This can be the difference between going home at the end of the working day or not.

Technology

Technology is becoming increasingly better a reducing the risk of pedestrian and plant interface. Proximity alarms, sensor-based systems and geofencing all offer improved risk management and should be considered where the risk assessments identifies a need for such systems.

Training, Information and Instruction

Providing comprehensive training, both on safe working practices around moving vehicles and on the use of mobile plant, is essential. Employees should be educated on the risks involved, proper procedures to follow, and the importance of adhering to safety procedures.

Maintenance

Mobile plant should be inspected and serviced in accordance with manufacturer and/or statutory requirements (The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998). Daily, pre-use, visual checks should be completed and weekly recorded inspections by a competent person, to ensure plant is in good working condition.  Pre-use checks should include cleanliness of in-cab windows, mirrors and cameras to ensure optimal visibility and functionality. Clean and well-maintained cabs contribute to better driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents.

Damaged or defective vehicles and plant that present a risk of injury, or which fall below legislative requirements, should be removed from use until repaired or replaced.

High-Visibility Clothing

High-visibility Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) serves as a last line of defence. Jackets, vests, trouser, and brightly coloured hard hats, all enhance visibility. PPE must be cared for and kept clean to remain effective. Damaged or faulty PPE should be replaced as soon as possible.

Make sure you take the time to plan traffic movements, do not wait until it is too late.

UTCL can help you assess the risks of moving vehicle and plant and implement sensible control measures that will help keep your business and its people safe. Please get in touch for a chat.

Contact us