Scaffolding – Hazards, Safety Precautions, Types, Components – A Complete Guide

Scaffolding – Hazards, Safety Precautions, Types, Components – A Complete Guide

Scaffolding is an essential tool for construction and maintenance activities that require working at heights. A scaffold is a temporary platform that supports workers, tools, and materials during construction, repair, or maintenance tasks. However, scaffolding can be hazardous if not used properly. In this article, we will discuss the hazards of scaffolding, the precautions required to ensure safety, types of scaffolding, scaffolding components, and work-at-height safety.

**Table of Contents**

**1. What is Scaffolding?**

  

**2. Scaffolding Components**

**3. Hazards of Scaffolding:**

   - 1. Unsecured ladder slipping

   - 2. Use of unsuitable, damaged, and faulty materials

   - 3. Inadequately supported scaffold boards

   - 4. Omission/removal of guard rails

   - 5. Not properly tie-in/braced

   - 6. Overloading of platform and board

**4. General Safety Precautions for Scaffolding:**

   - 1. A competent third-party certified person is allowed for scaffolding job

   - 2. Cold work permit is required

   - 3. Employees shall use chin straps, leather gloves, and safety harness full time

   - 4. Tools and spanners shall be secured with the body

   - 5. Area shall be barricaded, and signboards shall be displayed

   - 6. Non-sparking tools shall be used in a hazardous area

   - 7. Materials, clamps shall not drop or through

   - 8. Leather bags shall be used for shifting

   - 9. While erection and modifications, red tag shall be displayed at a height equal to eye level

   - 10. If height exceeds the ratio, additional tie-in with nearby existing structure shall be given

   - 11. Job shall be suspended in case of heavy wind more than 65kmph and rain

   - 12. Dismantling starts from the top

   - 13. Scaffolding tag shall be renewed after one week, and a checklist shall be maintained

   - 14. Ladder shall be raised at least one meter above the landing platform and should be secure at three locations

   - 15. Properly train workers

   - 16. Use safety harnesses

   - 17. Keep the workplace clean

   - 18. Loose materials and clamps should not be kept unattended on the working platform

   - 19. Risk assessment is required if wind speed is more than 50kmph

   - 20. Mobile scaffold casters (wheels)

   - 21. Gin wheel (pulley and rope)

**5. General Safety Precautions for Ladder Safety:**

   - 1. Ladder should be of industrial type

   - 2. Use the right type of ladder for the job

   - 3. Inspect the ladder for defects and damage before use

   - 4. Independent ladder shall be tagged

   - 5. Ladder shall be positioned at a 75-degree angle

   - 6. Ladder shall be secured with clamps at three locations

   - 7. Only one person shall climb at a time and face the ladder during up and down

   - 8. Do not carry tools and materials while climbing

   - 9. Metal ladder shall not be used for electrical works

**6. Types of Scaffolding**

   - 1. Independent Tied Scaffolding

   - 2. Stationary Scaffolding

   - 3. Mobile Scaffolding

   - 4. Cantilever/Suspended Scaffolding

**7. Ratios of Scaffolding**

**8. Best Practices for Working at Height

What is Scaffolding?

Scaffolding is a temporary structure that is erected to provide a safe working platform for workers to carry out their tasks at heights. Scaffolds are commonly used in construction, maintenance, and repair activities. They are typically made of steel or aluminum and consist of different components that work together to form a safe and secure working platform.

Scaffolding Components

Scaffolding is comprised of various components designed to collaboratively establish a safe and stable working environment. The key components include:

1. Sole Plate: A plate that evenly distributes the scaffold load onto the ground.

2. Base Plate: Sits on the sole plate, providing support for the vertical standards of the scaffold.

3. Standards: Vertical tubes supporting horizontal ledgers and the working platform.

4. Ledgers: Horizontal tubes connecting the standards.

5. Bracing: Diagonal tubes ensuring stability to the scaffold structure.

6. Decking: The working platform resting on the ledgers.

7. Guard Rails (Hand Rails and Mid-Rails): Rails preventing workers from falling; should be at least 1 meter in height.

8. Toe Board: A board preventing tools and materials from falling; should be at least 6 inches in height.

9. Clamps:  Used to connect different scaffold components; standard clamps include EN-74 and BS-15.

10. Ladder:  Provides access to the working platform and should be secured at three locations.

11. Tags: Green or red tags indicating scaffold status; renewal required after one week.

Hazards of Scaffolding:

Scaffolding is one of the most dangerous activities in construction and can lead to serious injuries or fatalities if not done correctly. The most common hazards associated with scaffolding include:

1. Unsecured ladder slipping:

Workers may slip while climbing a ladder, especially if the ladder is not secured correctly. This can cause serious injuries or even death.

2. Use of unsuitable, damage and faulty materials:

Scaffolding must be constructed using suitable materials and checked regularly to ensure it is in good condition. Faulty or damaged materials can cause the structure to collapse, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.

3. Inadequately supported scaffold boards

Scaffold boards must be properly supported to avoid the risk of collapse. If they are not supported correctly, workers can fall from height, causing serious injuries or fatalities.

4. Omission/removal of guard rails

Guard rails are essential in preventing falls from height. If they are omitted or removed, workers are at risk of falling from the scaffolding.

5. Not proper tie-in/braced

Scaffolding must be properly tied-in and braced to prevent it from toppling over. Failure to do so can cause serious injuries or fatalities.

6. Overloading of platform and board

Overloading of the scaffold platform and boards can cause the structure to collapse, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.

General Safety Precautions for Scaffolding:

1. A competent third-party certified person is allowed for scaffolding job:

It is important to hire a competent person who is certified by a third-party to do scaffolding work. A certified person will have the knowledge and experience to erect and dismantle the scaffold properly, ensuring the safety of workers.

2. Cold work permit is required:

Before starting the scaffolding work, a cold work permit is required. This permit ensures that all necessary precautions are taken to avoid accidents and injuries.

Ladders used for scaffolding work should be raised at least one meter above the landing platform and should be secure at three locations to prevent accidents.

14. Properly train workers:

It’s important to provide proper training to workers before allowing them to work on scaffolding. Workers should be trained to recognize the hazards associated with scaffolding work, including the dangers of falling, the risks associated with using power tools, and the need for proper safety gear.

15. Use safety harnesses

Workers should wear safety harnesses when working on scaffolding, especially when working at heights greater than 1.8 meters. The safety harness should be securely anchored to a suitable point, and workers should be trained to use the harness properly.

16. Keep the workplace clean

Cluttered or poorly maintained work areas can increase the risk of accidents, so it’s important to keep the workplace clean and free of obstacles. Workers should also be trained to recognize the hazards of a cluttered work area and encouraged to maintain a tidy workspace.

17. Loose materials and clamps should not be kept unattended on the working platform.

Loose materials and clamps can fall and cause serious injuries to the workers below. All materials should be secured and properly stored in designated areas.

18. Risk assessment is required if wind speed is more than 50kmph

The scaffolding structure can become unstable and pose a significant risk to workers in case of strong winds. It is important to assess the risk and take necessary measures to ensure safety.

19. Mobile scaffold casters (wheels)

Mobile scaffold casters (wheels) diameter should be 5 inches (12.7cm) and swivel lock required. This will ensure the scaffold remains stable and secure during movement.

20. Gin wheel (pulley and rope)

Gin wheel (pulley and rope) should be used for light material lifting. Heavy materials should be lifted using a hoist or crane. This will prevent strain and injury to workers who are manually lifting materials.

General Safety Precautions for Ladder Safety:

Ladders are essential tools used in construction, maintenance, and other industrial jobs. To ensure safety while using ladders, follow these general safety precautions:

1. Ladder should be of industrial type

Industrial ladders are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use in a workplace environment.

2. Use the right type of ladder for the job:

Different jobs require different types of ladders. Always select the right ladder for the job to ensure safety.

3. Inspect the ladder for defect and damage before use:

Before using a ladder, always inspect it for any defects, cracks, or damages. If any are found, the ladder should not be used until it is repaired.

4. Independent ladder shall be tagged:

Independent ladders should be tagged with the date of inspection and the name of the inspector. The validity of the tag should be for a month.

5. Ladder shall be positioned at 75-degree angle:

Ladders should be positioned at a 75-degree angle from the ground to ensure stability and safety.

6. Ladder shall be secured with clamps at 3 locations:

Ladders should be secured with clamps at three locations to prevent slipping and sliding.

6. Only one person shall climb at a time and face the ladder during up and down:

Only one person should climb the ladder at a time, and they should always face the ladder during ascent and descent.

7. Do not carry tools and materials while climbing

Carrying tools and materials while climbing can cause the ladder to become unbalanced and lead to falls.

8. Metal ladder shall not be used for electrical works:

Metal ladders should not be used for electrical work as they conduct electricity and can cause electrocution.

Types of Scaffolding

There are different types of scaffolding, and each type is used based on the construction needs and job requirements. Here are the most common types of scaffolding:

1. Independent Tied Scaffolding:

This type of scaffolding is built independently and tied to a building or structure for stability. The independent tied scaffolding is further categorized into light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty scaffolding based on the weight it can hold.

2. Stationary Scaffolding:

Stationary scaffolding is fixed to the ground and used for construction work that does not require mobility. The height of the stationary scaffolding shall not exceed 18.3 meters (60 feet) and shall not exceed four times the minimum base ratio.

3. Mobile Scaffolding:

Mobile scaffolding is a type of scaffolding that can be moved from one place to another. The height of the mobile scaffold shall not exceed 12.2 meters (40 feet), and the ratio should be 1:3 (1 base and 3 height). It consists of castor wheels and a single working platform. The caster wheel shall be a minimum of 12.7 cm (5-inch) diameter with rubber types and should be locked while using.

4. Cantilever/Suspended Scaffolding:

This type of scaffolding is used when it is impractical or impossible to erect a standard scaffold on the ground or other surfaces. Rakers (bottom diagonal one for every standard) shall be used, and the angle of rackers shall not be greater than 35 degrees.

Ratios of Scaffolding

It is essential to use the correct ratio of scaffolding to ensure that it is safe and stable. Here are the ratios for mobile and tower scaffolding:

1)Mobile Scaffold: The ratio of mobile scaffold should be 1:3, which means one base for every three heights. It should not exceed 12.2 meters (40 feet) and must consist of caster wheels and a single working platform. The caster wheels should be at least 12.7 cm (5 inches) in diameter, made of rubber, and have locks.

2)Tower Scaffold: The ratio of tower scaffold should be 1:4, which means one base for every four heights. The height should not exceed 18.3 meters (60 feet), and it should not exceed four times the minimum base ratio.

Best Practices for Working at Height

Working at height poses inherent risks, demanding strict adherence to best practices for the prevention of falls and other hazards. Follow these guidelines:

1. Keep the workplace clear of obstacles and clutter.

2. Maintain a clean and dry walking surface.

3. Block or barricade areas during floor cleaning.

4. Address spills promptly or cordon off the affected area.

5. Immediately report surface hazards.

6. Avoid running cables or cords on walkways.

7. Use ladders with proper safety precautions.

8. Ensure scaffolds are erected by a competent person and implement a tagging system.

9. Wear appropriate footwear for added traction.

10. Maintain adequate illumination in the work area.

11. Refrain from jumping from elevated surfaces.

12. Cover and barricade floor openings.

13. Avoid engaging in horseplay.

14. Utilize a safety harness when working at heights exceeding 1.8 meters.

All about Hazard identification & Risk Assessment ( HIRA)

Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA)

What is HIRA?

HIRA, or Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, is a systematic approach aimed at evaluating potential hazards and associated risks. In the context of safety, HIRA helps define objectives related to identified hazards and provides techniques for effective risk management.

What is a HIRA risk?

A HIRA risk involves a comprehensive process that includes hazard assessment, risk examination, and risk estimation. This method identifies potential hazards within a process or system that could lead to significant accidents, injuries, or environmental harm.

Upon identifying a hazard, the HIRA team evaluates both its severity and likelihood. Severity measures the potential consequences, such as the number of potential injuries or the intensity of potential damage. Likelihood assesses the probability of the hazard occurring.

The HIRA team then formulates recommendations to mitigate the risk. This may include eliminating the hazard entirely, reducing the likelihood of its occurrence, or minimizing the severity of potential consequences.

HIRA risks can be classified into different categories, such as:

1. Process Risks: These pertain to hazards inherent in the process, such as the potential for fire or explosion.

2. Equipment Risks: These involve hazards linked to the equipment utilized in the process, encompassing the risk of equipment failure.

3. Human Factors Risks: These are associated with the potential for human error, including the risk of mistakes made by workers.

Why HIRA is important?

Through risk identification and assessment, HIRA plays a crucial role in minimizing the probability and impact of significant accidents, injuries, and environmental harm. Its key functions include:

1. Identifying all potential factors posing harm to workers.

2. Determining incident probabilities and analyzing their potential severity.

3. Identifying and evaluating existing safeguards and controls.

4. Assessing safety risks to ensure they align with acceptable limits.

5. Providing recommendations to mitigate the likelihood of hazards.

HIRA and HAZOP

HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment) and HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) are both integral techniques in process safety.

HIRA serves as a structured method for detecting and evaluating hazards within process facilities/systems, identifying potential risks leading to accidents, injuries, or environmental damage. It offers a simple yet effective approach applicable across various operations.

On the other hand, HAZOP takes a more comprehensive and rigorous stance. Utilizing guidewords, the HAZOP team identifies potential deviations from planned designs or operations, analyzes their severity and likelihood, and proposes mitigation solutions. Though more intricate and time-consuming than HIRA, HAZOP is thorough and effective.

Combining HIRA and HAZOP data allows for the development of a comprehensive risk management plan, encompassing hazard identification, risk analysis, and mitigation recommendations. This integrated approach enhances the safety of process facilities, mitigating the risk of major accidents, injuries, and environmental damage.

How many types of HIRA are there?

There are three types of risk assessments: Baseline Risk Assessments, Issue-Based Risk Assessments, and Continuous Risk Assessments.

Baseline Risk Assessments:

Conducted to identify risks for the first time, this assessment highlights specific aspects or issues. Regular reviews are essential to maintain an up-to-date baseline profile, reducing safety risks identified through HIRA in an organization.

Issue-Based Risk Assessments:

Triggered by highlighted aspects or issues, the Issue-Based Risk Assessment responds to factors like new processes, installation of machinery, or ongoing hazard assessments within an organization.

Continuous Risk Assessments:

Integrated into routine inspections and observations, continuous risk assessments are ongoing processes that contribute to the organization's risk management efforts.

What are the 3 Phases of HIRA ?

Phase 1: Identification of Hazards

During this stage, all potential incidents are meticulously identified and cataloged. A comprehensive approach involves field visits and a thorough examination of procedures related to operations. Input documents such as drawings and process write-ups are crucial in pinpointing hazards.

Phase 2: HIRA Risk Assessment

Inputs Required

The effectiveness of HIRA is closely tied to the availability and accuracy of input data. Complete input data enhances confidence in the validity and robustness of results. Data collection examples may include operational specifics, building design details, and personnel/population occupancy levels.

Risk Assessment Methodology

HIRA Risk Assessment serves as a critical tool for risk management and safety enhancement across various industries. Offering a quantitative evaluation of potential risks, it establishes a foundation for assessing process safety against predefined risk acceptance criteria.

The study method integrates identification, analysis, and brainstorming around identified hazards, structured into four main sections encompassing various categories:

1. Section 1: External and Environmental Hazards

2. Section 2: Facility Hazards

3. Section 3: Health Hazards

4. Section 4: Assessment of Risks to People, Assets/Production, and the Environment

Phase 3: Elimination of the Risk

Known hazards are listed and assessed within a risk matrix to determine their significance. Safeguarding controls/measures are outlined based on risk rankings, and recommendations are provided to prevent or eliminate potential hazards. The accompanying risk matrix is included in the study.

Hazard Likelihood rating

Hazard Severity Rating

Risk Matrix

Risk Rating

LSIR (Location specific Individual risk)

Location-Specific Individual Risk (LSIR) represents the risk for an imaginary individual situated at a specific location for 24 hours daily, 365 days a year. LSIR criteria play a pivotal role in shaping long-term industrial land use planning and development overviews. This individual risk is directly obtained from risk software, providing LSIR values expressed in the unit of Individual/Societal Risk Frequency per year.

What are the main 5 risk assessment stages?

1. Defining the scope of risk assessment.

2. Identifying the required resources.

3. Selecting the appropriate type of risk analysis measures.

4. Identifying key stakeholders involved.

5. Identifying relevant regulations or standards in accordance with organizational policies.

Tragic incident on Ulwe-Uran road: One fatality and three injuries as an SUV collides with a two-wheeler and subsequently strikes a truck driver.

The SUV initially collided with the Mukadam brothers on their two-wheeler. Rohan Mahendra Mukadam, 26, a resident of Belapur Koliwada, wearing a helmet, avoided head injuries, unlike his brother Sarvesh, 28.

By - safetywalebhaiya

Nov 27, 2023 08:44 PM IST

Tragedy in Navi Mumbai: A 39-year-old truck driver lost his life, and three others suffered severe injuries on Thursday night. The incident occurred on Ulwe-Uran road when a 20-year-old driver in an SUV collided with a two-wheeler and fatally struck the truck driver who had alighted from his vehicle.

Tragedy in Navi Mumbai: One fatality and three severe injuries occurred when a Hyundai Creta attempting to overtake collided with a stationary dumper in Ulwe on Friday.

Siddharth Vishwanath Dere, 20, identified as the driver of the Hyundai Creta, was heading from Ulwe to Seawoods when the accident occurred.

The SUV initially collided with the Mukadam brothers on their two-wheeler. Rohan Mahendra Mukadam, 26, of Belapur Koliwada, wearing a helmet, avoided head injuries. However, his brother Sarvesh, 28, riding pillion without a helmet, suffered serious head injuries in the fall.

Subsequently, the vehicle struck Pramod Singh, 39, a Uttar Pradesh resident who had alighted from his truck. Singh tragically lost his life on the spot. The SUV then collided with a roadside barricade before coming to a halt. All involved, including Dere, the Mukadam brothers, and Singh, were promptly taken to the hospital.

While Singh was pronounced dead, the Mukadam brothers and Dere are currently receiving medical care. According to the police, Dere, who is a college student and the sole son in his family, was tested and found not to be under the influence while driving. The authorities are in the process of retrieving CCTV footage from the accident site and the Ulwe stretch to determine the sequence of events and ascertain if speeding was a factor. Police sub-inspector Nivas Shinde from NRI police station mentioned, "He had lost his father during the Covid-19 pandemic, and his mother was traumatized after the accident."

Dere, in critical condition and undergoing treatment at a private hospital, has been charged by the police under sections 304 A (causing death by negligence), 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt by an act endangering the life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by an act endangering the life or personal safety of others), and 427 (mischief) of the IPC, along with sections under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Tragedy Strikes Cochin University Tech Fest: Four Students Lose Lives, More Than 60 Injured in Stampede.

Two Critically Injured as Hundreds Surge into Packed Auditorium at Cochin University Tech Fest, Resulting in Stampede.

November 25, 2023 09:11 pm | Updated 11:03 pm IST - KOCHI

Safetywalebhaiya 

Tragedy Strikes Cochin University Tech Fest Conclusion: Four Students Killed, 61 Injured in Auditorium Stampede. The incident, just before a concert by singer Nikhita Gandhi, occurred around 7:30 p.m. as heavy rain prompted hundreds waiting outside to surge into the packed auditorium. Two seriously injured, with four fatalities confirmed by Government Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam. Forty-six admitted to MCH, and 15 to Kinder Hospital.

The site of the stampede at the Cochin University of Science and Technology in Kochi on November 25, 2023. The stampede claimed at least four lives and left several others injured. 

Auditorium Packed Before Music Show: Eyewitnesses describe unaware rush into students. An emergency Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, takes place in Kozhikode. Ministers P. Rajeeve and R. Bindu head to Kochi. Health Minister Veena George assures medical support at MCH and General Hospital. University authorities express lack of anticipation for the large crowd, citing students from other institutions. The locked entrance gate couldn't contain the surge, leading to a tragic incident amid the sudden downpour. Appeals to refrain from rushing into the auditorium went unheard.

Uttarkashi tunnel collapse update: Auger drilling machine malfunctions, and there is currently no set timeline for the rescue of 41 trapped individuals. Stay tuned for further updates.

In response to the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand has instructed officials to expedite the final phase of the rescue operation while exercising caution.

Uttarkashi: Rescue officials at the entrance of Silkyara Tunnel during the rescue operation of 41 workers trapped inside the under-construction tunnel, in Uttarkashi district on Friday.

On the fourteenth day of the rescue mission for 41 trapped workers in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel, various agencies, such as NDRF, SDRF, BRO, NHIDCL, and ITBP, collaborated. Air-compressed pipes were used to provide oxygen, electricity, and food to the trapped laborers. Unfortunately, on Friday, the operation encountered a setback as the machinery experienced another halt, introducing new challenges to the ongoing rescue efforts.

Latest Developments on Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse Rescue:

1. The rescue mission for the 41 trapped workers in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel entered its fourteenth day. Multiple agencies, including NDRF, SDRF, BRO, NHIDCL, and ITBP, are involved in the efforts.

2. Despite efforts, rescue operations faced a setback as the auger drilling machine malfunctioned. No specific timeline has been established for the retrieval of the trapped individuals.

3. Experts, including Arnold Dix, suggested exploring alternative options for the rescue. Manual drilling is set to commence to cut through the rubble obstructing access to the trapped workers.

4. A survey by experts from Parsan Overseas Pvt Ltd Delhi, utilizing ground-penetrating radar, revealed no heavy objects up to 5 meters in the rescue tunnel.

5. Concerns about accountability were raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, emphasizing the need for adherence to rules and regulations in construction.

6. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami urged a swift and cautious execution of the final phase of the rescue operation.

7. To facilitate rescue efforts, pipes are being inserted into the channel, creating a passageway. Approximately 46 meters of pipe has been installed.

8. The National Disaster Response Force plans to bring out the workers individually on stretchers fitted with wheels.

9. The trapped workers, primarily migrant laborers, have been stuck for 14 days after a tunnel collapse on the Uttarakhand Char Dham route.

10. Families of the trapped workers, gathered at the accident site, anxiously await updates on the rescue, hoping for a swift and successful outcome.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: Stranded workers resort to games like 'Chor-police' and yoga to cope with stress.

Uttarakhand: Rescue teams intend to offer board games and playing cards to the 41 workers stuck inside the Silkyara tunnel for 12 days, as the ongoing evacuation efforts face numerous setbacks and delays.

As reported by PTI, Dr Rohit Gondwal, one of the psychiatrists at the rescue site, said, “We are planning to provide ludo and chess boards and playing cards to help them (trapped labourers) relieve stress. The operation is getting delayed and it appears that it will take some more time."

He mentioned that the well-being of all 41 workers is satisfactory, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their physical health and mental well-being.

“They told us that they play 'chor-police', do yoga and exercise daily to de-stress," Gondwal said.

Speaking on the mental health of the trapped workers, another medical expert told PTI that their morale needs to stay high and they must remain motivated.

Meanwhile, a team of doctors speaks daily to the workers and asks about their health and mental conditions.

The most recent hurdle emerged shortly after the resumption of the rescue operation earlier in the day, which had experienced a six-hour delay in removing an iron girder obstructing the auger machine late on Wednesday.

This marks the third occasion that the drilling process has been interrupted since the collaborative rescue mission commenced on November 12, prompted by a section of the under-construction tunnel collapsing along Uttarakhand's Char Dham route.

As of Thursday, officials reported that the rescue team successfully drilled through the debris up to a depth of 48 meters. Nevertheless, there is a remaining distance of 10-12 meters to cover before the trapped labourers can be safely evacuated.

A group of twelve medical professionals, comprising general physicians and psychiatrists from Uttarkashi and Dehradun, are positioned at the site to provide medical assistance.

Officials mentioned that team members engage in regular communication with the trapped labourers, dedicating at least 30 minutes in the morning and an equivalent duration in the evening for interactions.

Conducting Effective Root Cause Analysis for Workplace Accidents.

Conducting Effective Root Cause Analysis for Workplace Accidents

When dealing with a workplace accident, immediate hazard removal is crucial, but addressing the root cause is even more vital. A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a pivotal step in investigating incidents, ensuring you tackle the underlying issues, not just the symptoms.

What is a Root Cause Analysis (RCA)?

A Root Cause Analysis delves into identifying the fundamental cause of an issue or incident, going beyond addressing the immediate triggers. Whether it's an injury caused by machinery or a tripping incident, RCA aims to unearth core issues leading to the accident.

Why Conduct an RCA?

Workplace accidents disrupt operations and can lead to legal consequences. Conducting an RCA prevents recurrence, fostering a safer work environment and safeguarding against legal repercussions or damage to reputation. RCAs aren't limited to accidents; they can address a range of incidents from security breaches to quality control problems.

Root Cause Analysis Steps

1. Define the Scope: Clearly outline the specific issue to address, increasing the likelihood of finding and correcting the root cause. Focus on the incident's particulars to avoid missing the mark.

2. Select a Team: Form a team comprising individuals familiar with the processes related to the problem. Collaboration enhances the analysis, bringing diverse perspectives to light.

3. Organize Data: Develop a timeline to visually map out the accident, aiding in the organization of investigation information and pinpointing where issues arose.

4. Identify Contributing Factors:  Add details to the timeline, questioning why each event occurred. This reveals contributing factors that led to the accident.         

5. Determine Root Causes: Dig deeper by asking why each contributing factor occurred. It's possible to identify a common root cause for multiple factors.

6. Create a CAPA Plan: Formulate and implement a Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plan based on your findings. This includes immediate corrective actions and preventive measures to mitigate future risks.

7. Review Changes: Assign and schedule corrective and preventive actions, then assess and review changes to measure the success of implemented measures.

By following these steps, a comprehensive RCA enhances workplace safety, mitigates risks, and ensures lasting solutions to prevent recurring incidents.

Drilling & blasting as a tunnel excavation method

Tunneling through solid rock may be performed either witha tunneling machine or by use of conventional drilling andblasting. Machine tunneling is comparatively new, havingcome into general us.e since the 1950s; the drilling and blast-ing method has been practiced for several centuries. This leads to speculation as to whether the machine will com-pletely replace the older and more conventional method of tunnel excavation.

The complete obsolescence of underground drilling and

blasting techniques does not appear to be imminent. Rock that is too . ard to cut economically with a machine must be excava ed in the convent ional manner: using drills and explosives. Tunneling machines are expensive both to purchase and to install; consequently, they are frequently uneconomical in shorter tunnels. Furthermore, improvements resulting from research into drilling and blasting may likely bring wider adoption of conventional methods.When the drilling and blasting method is used, theground is shattered by the detonation of explosives withinholes drilled into the solid rock. These holes are usually25.4 to 50.8 mm (1 to 2 in) in diameter, spaced severalcentimeters to a meter apart in a preplanned pattern, anddrilled to a depth that is dependent on the length of roundto be pulled. Pneumatic percussion drills are customarilyused. Small drills can be hand held, but larger and morepowerful drills, which are now commonly used, must bemounted on positioning devices to obtain maximum drill-ing speed with a minimum of labor. Standard practice isto mount the drills on a carriage or "jumbo" that travels to and from the face on railroad tracks or on pneumatic tires.

Explosives for tunnel blasting can be either gelatine dy-

ruwiite or ammonium nitrate. Detonation is accomplished

by use of electric blasting caps with built-in delays. Delay

refers to the short interval of time that occurs between the instant the electric current is applied and the instant of explosion, which may vary from zero to several seconds. The use of delays results in sequential loosening and ejection of the shattered rock during the blast, which starts with a "cut"shot near the center of the face and progresses in a series of shots outward to the tunnel perimeter.

Drilling and blasting is cyclical. To excavate a round re-

quires the sequential operations of drilling the holes, loading the explosive, detonating the blast, and finally removing and disposing of the broken rock, installing supports (whenneeded), and extending utilities. The aim of the tunnel engineer is to reduce the cycle time to a minimum, thereby permitting a maximum number of rounds to be "pulled" in a 24-h day and keeping the cost of tunneling as low as possible. 

Since 1930 many improvements have been made in ex-

cavating tunnels by drilling and blasting. Consequently,

tunnels are today being driven twice as fast and sometimeswith less labor than they were 40 years ago. Improve-ments during these years include the drill jumbo, remov-able drill bits, tungsten carbide bit facings, better drillsteels, larger and more powerful pneumatic drills, hydrau-lically powered booms for positioning of drills, larger andfaster mucking machines, devices such as "cherry pickers," and the sliding floor (magic carpet) for faster switching ofmuck-hauling vehicles. These improvements were the products of equipment manufacturers and inventive tunnel engineers and were not publicly financed. The increased tunneling activity today and the stimulus ofpublicly financed research may bring even greater advances in conventional tunneling methods during the next decade.

Tunnel jumbo equipped with hydraulic drills (photo courtesy of Atlas-Copco).

FUTURE RESEARCH

Faster Drilling

Accelerated research into improved metallurgy of drill

bits, differently shaped bits, and faster drills could increase substantially the currently attainable drilling

speed. Rotary drills might replace percussion equipment in hard rock work. Experiments in the past with

rotary drills were discouraging largely because of the

harmful effect of noise on the human operator. Research into noise abatement might lead to discoveries that would result in a reevaluation of rotary drilling.

Automation of Drilling Mechanisms Programmed positioning of drill holes could eliminate delay now caused by human factors such as the experience, intelligence, or state of fatigue of the operator.

Mechanical Loading of Explosives

One of the factors that increase labor costs in tunnel

construction is the number of workers required to hand place and tamp the explosive charge. Machines to place the charges could result in significant savings in labor cost and loading time.

Hydraulic Drills

Manufacturers have recently introduced hydraulically

powered drills and impact breakers that give great prom-

ise of success. Perhaps further experimentation with

combinations of percussion drills and impactors of expansion breakers will lead to a new rock-breaking technique that will eliminate the need for explosives.

Smoother Excavation One of the advantages of machine excavation is the elimination of overbreak. The removal of unnecessary material beyond the required excavation lines increases the cost for labor and ground supports and especially adds to the cost of concrete lining required to fill those unwanted spaces. Further research is needed in methods to permit better control of overbreak.

Faster Muck Removal

Little improvement has been made during the past 40

6 years in mucking machines. Faster production could

undoubtedly be obtained by introduction of already

known principles to tunnel excavation.Use of hydraulically powered and more compact shovels could result in faster and less costly handling of materials in underground excavation.

Labor Efficiency

A program of education and improved relations between

employer and workers is needed to increase labor efficiency,improve safety, and reduce costs. An objective study should be made to determine the optimum number of workers required for various tunneling operations. Part of the high costs of underground excavation results from requirements of union management that more workers be employed than needed for efficient and safe operations with today's equipment.

Measuring Surface Vibrations

Vibrations at the surface of the ground are caused by blasting for rock tunnels. The character of these vibrations cannot now be accurately predicted, and a measurement method is needed, particularly when blasting occurs under densely populated areas.

Indian rescue teams make progress in reaching trapped workers inside a Himalayan tunnel.

In Silkyara, India, rescuers aim to complete drilling through the final portion of debris obstructing the collapsed Himalayan tunnel by early Thursday, aiming to reach 41 workers who have been trapped for ten days. Officials are optimistic about progress unless unforeseen challenges arise. The workers, stuck in the 4.5-km tunnel in Uttarakhand since its collapse on Nov. 12, remain safe with access to light, oxygen, food, water, and medicines, as confirmed by authorities.

Authorities have not said what caused the tunnel collapse, but the region is prone to landslides, earthquakes and floods. Efforts to bring the men out have been slowed by snags in drilling in the mountainous terrain.

By Wednesday, rescuers drilled through 42 m (130 ft) of an estimated 60 m (197 ft) that need to be cleared in order to push through a pipe wide enough for the men to crawl out, said Mahmood Ahmed, an official of the firm building the tunnel.

"Many hurdles can emerge, but if they don’t, we hope that by late in the night or early tomorrow we all will get some good news," Ahmed, the managing director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), told reporters.

Possible obstructions in the debris could include large boulders, stones and metal girders, he said, adding that welding together the evacuation pipe needed more time than drilling.

A rescue mission is currently underway at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand to free 41 workers who are stuck inside following a landslide.

First images from within the tunnel showed workers in white and yellow hardhats standing in the confined space and communicating with rescuers on Tuesday, after a medical endoscopy camera was pushed through a smaller pipeline.

The trapped men have been receiving fruits and cooked food items after a second, larger pipeline was pushed through on Monday.

Toiletries and clothing have also been pushed through, said.

Neeraj Khairwal, a rescue co-ordination official.

"The workers are very positive and they are in a very good mental state," he added.

Physicians and chest specialists are among 15 doctors at the site, said R.C.S. Panwar, the district's chief medical officer, with 40 ambulances set to be placed on standby.

The anxious families of 11 of the 41 trapped men have reached the accident site, eager to see them rescued. Those trapped are low-wage workers, most of them from poor states in India's north and east.

"I am worried, and will be worried, while my brother is not out of this tunnel, but now it looks like the time has come," said Indrajeet Kumar, who travelled from the eastern state of Jharkhand, worried about his trapped brother, Vishwajeet.

Risk assessment of fatal accidents due to work at heights activities using fault tree analysis: Case study in Malaysia.

Risk assessment of fatal accidents due to work at heights activities using fault tree analysis: Case study in Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction

Malaysia's economy proliferated in the last few decades (Khan et al., 2014). Construction, manufacturing, and agriculture are among some of the sectors most influenced by this growth. With the booming economy, a rapidly increased demand for new development and infrastructure rose. Construction, in particular, has become one of Malaysia's quickest, most expensive, and powerful industries (Khan et al., 2014). The Department of Occupational Health and Safety of Malaysia (DOSH) indicates that the construction sector has higher workplace fatalities than any other sector (Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health, 2018). According to the annual statistics report by the Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health (2018), a significant increase in workplace fatal accident rate ranging from 69 cases in 2013 to 106 cases in 2016, with the deadly accidents level rising from 4.21 per 100,000 workers in 2014 to 4.90 per 100,000 workers in 2017. In the year 2019, it was reported that there were 259 cases of fatal accidents, with the construction sector having the highest number with 84 fatal accidents, while the manufacturing and agriculture sectors were second and third with 73 and 43 fatal accidents, respectively. Work by Ayob et al. (2018) shows that falling from heights contributes to almost half of all fatal injuries in the workplace with 46%. Therefore, understanding the origin of fatal occupational and industrial accidents was, and will always be, a high priority in maintaining health and safety in the workplace.

The increasing numbers of occupational fatal accidents each year raise the need to conduct a study that will understand the whole accident sequence, immediate and root causes as necessary to understand these types of accidents. Several studies that are not based in Malaysia have attempted to analyse and investigate fatal falls from height accidents such as Huang and Hinze (2003) in the US, Wong et al. (2016) in Hong Kong, and Sehlikoğlu (2019) in Turkey. Furthermore, Previous studies focused on one topic at a time that varied from human factors affecting falls from heights accidents, fatal to non-fatal falls, behavioural-based safety and management involvement, and leadership in reducing fatal accidents (Nadhim et al., 2016).

Hence, a research project focused on fatal falls from heights accidents is currently being conducted in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This study is the continuation of previous work by Zermane et al. (2020) on falls from heights causes and prevention, which discusses the factors influencing falls from heights accidents in Malaysia during eight years from 2010 to 2018.

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate fatal falls from heights accidents and the working conditions behind these accidents. Eventually, by understanding how these accidents occur, management can focus on specific prevention measures that can serve as proactive measures, help minimise the reaction time and reduce the risk of these accidents in the future. Most of the previous studies focused on finding the causes behind the accidents (Nadhim et al., 2016). In contrast, this study focused on a deeper understanding of how specific types of fatal falls from heights accidents scenarios develop and their root causes.

The outcome of this study provides a clear guideline to any safety professionals to understand fatal falls from heights accidents by knowing precisely what will happen during the accident sequence and how to prevent it in time before a near-miss turns into a deadly accident. This study was conducted using Malaysian data as a case study, but the framework is designed to be flexible to be applied anywhere in the future.

Introduction

Malaysia's economy proliferated in the last few decades (Khan et al., 2014). Construction, manufacturing, and agriculture are among some of the sectors most influenced by this growth. With the booming economy, a rapidly increased demand for new development and infrastructure rose. Construction, in particular, has become one of Malaysia's quickest, most expensive, and powerful industries (Khan et al., 2014). The Department of Occupational Health and Safety of Malaysia (DOSH) indicates that the construction sector has higher workplace fatalities than any other sector (Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health, 2018). According to the annual statistics report by the Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health (2018), a significant increase in workplace fatal accident rate ranging from 69 cases in 2013 to 106 cases in 2016, with the deadly accidents level rising from 4.21 per 100,000 workers in 2014 to 4.90 per 100,000 workers in 2017. In the year 2019, it was reported that there were 259 cases of fatal accidents, with the construction sector having the highest number with 84 fatal accidents, while the manufacturing and agriculture sectors were second and third with 73 and 43 fatal accidents, respectively. Work by Ayob et al. (2018) shows that falling from heights contributes to almost half of all fatal injuries in the workplace with 46%. Therefore, understanding the origin of fatal occupational and industrial accidents was, and will always be, a high priority in maintaining health and safety in the workplace.

The increasing numbers of occupational fatal accidents each year raise the need to conduct a study that will understand the whole accident sequence, immediate and root causes as necessary to understand these types of accidents. Several studies that are not based in Malaysia have attempted to analyse and investigate fatal falls from height accidents such as Huang and Hinze (2003) in the US, Wong et al. (2016) in Hong Kong, and Sehlikoğlu (2019) in Turkey. Furthermore, Previous studies focused on one topic at a time that varied from human factors affecting falls from heights accidents, fatal to non-fatal falls, behavioural-based safety and management involvement, and leadership in reducing fatal accidents (Nadhim et al., 2016).

Hence, a research project focused on fatal falls from heights accidents is currently being conducted in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This study is the continuation of previous work by Zermane et al. (2020) on falls from heights causes and prevention, which discusses the factors influencing falls from heights accidents in Malaysia during eight years from 2010 to 2018.

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate fatal falls from heights accidents and the working conditions behind these accidents. Eventually, by understanding how these accidents occur, management can focus on specific prevention measures that can serve as proactive measures, help minimise the reaction time and reduce the risk of these accidents in the future. Most of the previous studies focused on finding the causes behind the accidents (Nadhim et al., 2016). In contrast, this study focused on a deeper understanding of how specific types of fatal falls from heights accidents scenarios develop and their root causes.

The outcome of this study provides a clear guideline to any safety professionals to understand fatal falls from heights accidents by knowing precisely what will happen during the accident sequence and how to prevent it in time before a near-miss turns into a deadly accident. This study was conducted using Malaysian data as a case study, but the framework is designed to be flexible to be applied anywhere in the future.

Section snippets

Falls from heights accidents

A study by Nadhim et al. (2016) shows that many attempts have been made to understand the hazards and the root causes of falls from height in construction sector accidents to create a hazard identification system for construction projects. In addition, the authors sought to seek valuable insights on how to improve workers health and safety in the construction industry through either proactive or reactive interventions or both. Nadhim et al. (2016) has carried out a thorough analysis of all

Methodology

The study was carried out to identify causes of fatal accidents at the workplace and looking at the factors and patterns which cause an increase in the numbers of fatal accidents in Malaysia. This study also recognizes that understanding the causes in various scenarios of accidents may play a significant role in avoiding potential accidents.

This study consists of a two parts methodology; the first part which uses preliminary statistical analysis of the data obtained from DOSH to determine the

Statistical analysis

A frequency analysis was conducted to determine the level of occurrence of each immediate and root cause to understand which causes affect the outcome of accidents scenarios. This study showed that the most common immediate cause was the failure to use personal protective equipment appearing 110 times (85.93%) (see Table 8), and the most frequent root cause was the lack of leadership and supervision which appeared on the accident scenarios 115 times (89.84%) (see Table 9).

Immediate causes...

The risk matrix

Based on the frequency analysis, each cause has a frequency of occurrence. These frequencies can be categorized and organized based on their priority and which set of accidents should be taken into action first. Based on Table 11, three categories have been determined, and the causes of fatal accidents will fall into each category. From 0 to 33.32% are the recommended actions, and it contains four immediate causes (B07, A12, A01 and B12), from 33.33% to 66.65% are the necessary actions also..

Conclusions

Falls from height accidents are a significant concern in any workplace that requires the worker to work at height. Based on the number of increasing fatalities due to falls and limited research that focused on this issue, it was necessary to conduct this study. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a deep understanding of fatal falls from height accidents and avoiding these accidents. Two sets of tools were used to investigate this phenomenon, a statistical analysis and...

Work at height

"Work at height" refers to any work or activity that takes place above or below ground level where there is a risk of personal injury through falling. This can include working on ladders, scaffolds, roofs, platforms, or any other elevated surfaces.

Examples of work at height include:

1. **Construction and Maintenance Work:** Activities such as roof repairs, window cleaning, or painting that require working at an elevated level.

2. **Installation Work:** Setting up equipment, installing fixtures, or making modifications that involve working above ground level.

3. **Use of Access Equipment:** Operating lifts, cherry pickers, or other elevated access equipment to perform tasks at height.

4. **Tree Surgery:** Tasks involving climbing trees or using elevated platforms for pruning or other tree-related activities.

5. **Tower Work:** Work on telecommunication towers, wind turbines, or other tall structures.

Due to the inherent risks associated with working at height, safety measures and precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall protection systems, are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of workers. Compliance with safety regulations and thorough training are essential elements in the management of work at height.

Working at heights involves tasks performed above ground level, presenting unique safety challenges. Here are key aspects:

1. **Risk Assessment:** Prioritize a thorough risk assessment. Identify potential hazards such as falling, unstable surfaces, or adverse weather conditions.

2. **Training:** Ensure workers receive proper training for working at heights, covering equipment usage, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.

3. **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):** Provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE, including harnesses, helmets, and non-slip footwear.

4. **Equipment Inspection:** Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment, including ladders, scaffolds, and safety harnesses, to ensure they meet safety standards.

5. **Fall Protection:** Implement fall protection measures, such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems, depending on the specific work environment.

6. **Communication:** Establish clear communication channels between workers at heights and those on the ground. Use signals or radios to relay important information.

7. **Weather Considerations:** Monitor weather conditions, as wind, rain, or snow can significantly impact safety when working at heights.

8. **Emergency Procedures:** Develop and communicate emergency procedures, including rescue plans. Ensure that all workers know how to respond in case of an incident.

9. **Regulatory Compliance:** Stay updated on relevant safety regulations and standards pertaining to working at heights. Comply with local, state, and national guidelines.

10. **Supervision:** Assign a competent person to supervise work at heights, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and immediate response in case of emergencies.

By addressing these aspects, businesses can create a safer working environment for tasks performed at elevated levels.