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Worker Killed While Welding Wood Chip Conveyor BACKGROUND: On an early spring day in the Pacific Northwest, three journey level maintenance workers were repairing a 400 foot long wood chip conveyor system. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The victim, and the rest of the crew, were experienced workers, fully qualified and able to perform their trade without supervision. UNSAFE ACTS AND CONDITIONS: The victim was sitting on the conveyor belt welding on a funnel cone at the infeed end and blocked from view from the outfeed end, where the controls were located. Another worker was nearby, welding at the infeed end. A third worker was at the outfeed end of the conveyor, installing grooves in the conveyor belt. The machine’s controls at the outfeed end had a lockable 480 volt switch, but none of the three workers used their individual locks to lock out
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the switch and prevent its activation. The worker at the outfeed end needed to turn on the machine briefly to reposition the belt. Before doing so, he sent a coworker to see if the conveyor was clear. The coworker saw one worker clear of the conveyor but was unaware of the other worker welding. ACCIDENT / INJURY: The conveyor was turned on, and the victim was pulled under the metal funnel cone and crushed. He died from the injuries. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTIONS: l When performing maintenance, always lock out equipment that can unexpectedly start. l Review and follow lock out/tagout procedures prior to working on equipment. Update procedures when necessary. l Make sure all employees are trained on lock
out/tagout policies and procedures. l Conduct a job safety analysis (JSA) for those who must work on or around hazardous equipment. A JSA is a systematic method for identifying hazards associated with the job or task. Originally published by the Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries. Supplied by Forest Resources Assn.
JULY 2021 ● Southern Loggin’ Times
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