Our suite of Q2-themed resources includes Learning Event Bulletins that align with the theme ‘Preventing Personal Injuries.
Working at Height - Dropped Object
What Happened?
A rope access technician working at height on a communications tower stopped work to allow two workers to enter the Restricted Zone below to perform visual checks at ground level.
While waiting, the rope access technician reached for their tethered water bottle to move it. They unhooked one clip of the tether and when disconnected on one end, the bottle (weighing 0.5 kg) slipped off the tether and fell approximately 49 metres, landing within the internal footprint of the tower.
The two workers were standing in the Restricted Zone on the opposite side of the tower, approximately 7 metres away from where the water bottle hit the ground. Neither person was injured. DROPS calculations rate the potential consequence as fatal.
Why did it Happen?
- Inadequate tethering method of the water bottle resulted in an open pathway, once one end of the tether was unclipped.
- The risk of dropped objects from non-work activities and non-related work equipment (e.g. water bottles) was not considered. Procedures did not specify method or equipment to be used for tethering of water bottles.
- Procedures allow for access into Restricted Zones however, do not provide enough description on what activities can be carried out in the Restricted Zone.
What did they Learn?
- Standardise tethering methods across all sites.
- Apply Exclusion Zone to all movement at height.
- Review Controlled Zone Procedure to determine if Exclusion Zone and Restricted Zone definitions are clear and fit for purpose.
Learning Event Bulletins are a tool to assist with learning from unwanted events and/or threats in order to minimise Fatalities and Permanent Impairment incidents (FPIs).
They focus on ‘unwanted events/threats’ as triggers to investigate and disseminate lessons learned. Encourage industry to approach unwanted events/threats with a positive learning mindset. Investigate, report and share the lessons from ‘High Value Learning Events’ triggered by unwanted events/threats occurring, regardless of whether it is classified as a HiPo or not.
Use Learning Event Bulletins to facilitate discussions that influence and reinforce behaviours focused on helping prevent harm to frontline workers.
How do HSERs get the most value from this Learning Event Bulletin?
- Print the Bulletin and post it to notice boards.
- Discuss the Learning Event and lessons learned AND use it as a chance to discuss “Could this happen to you?
- Send your feedback to Safer Together: [email protected].
Frontline workers:
- Actively participate in discussions about this Bulletin.
- Ask your frontline leader to provide the opportunity to discuss the Bulletin and download and discuss it with your work crew.
- Help your frontline leader provide feedback to Safer Together.