On April 21, 2009, a 51-year old contract laborer with 3 years of experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel dredging operation. The victim was inside an excavation ditch while an excavator was maneuvering a concrete box into place. The chain used to attach the four leg sling from the box to the excavator broke. The box fell into the hole and struck the victim crushing him.
Best Practices
- Identify hazards associated with the task to be performed, review those hazards with all personnel involved, and implement measures to ensure persons are properly protected.
- Communicate lift plans to all persons working in the lift zone to ensure that no one is under a suspended load.
- Stay clear of a suspended load.
- Attach taglines to loads that may require steadying or guidance while suspended.
- Use sling or chain assemblies (rigging) specifically intended for lifting and adequately rated for the loads being lifted.
- Carefully inspect all rigging prior to each use.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)