EDITOR – I was at a building supply company in Edenvale recently and witnessed a nasty accident which I feel needs to be reported to highlight the dangers many people probably face at such places on a daily basis.
I was standing by the goods out entrance awaiting my goods.
The forklift driver picked up a pallet of Rhinolite which needed to be stacked on the top shelf.
Next, two guys stood, yes stood on top of the load, and the Forklift driver proceeded to lift the load. He raised the forklift as high as he could, but it was not sufficient.
He then tilted the forks, at such speed that one of the men, Gilbert, fell between five and six metres. He landed on his side and ankle.
I stayed with him while we awaited for an ambulance.
The manager seemed very unconcerned and was rude to the staff who were understandably worried about their colleague.
All he was interested in was everyone getting on with their work.
I am not sure how Gilbert is now, as I left after we had placed him on a back-board and stretcher.
Mick Godfrey
Edenvale
Letter received January 02
EDITOR’S COMMENT – The letter was sent to the owner of Southern Africa Emergency Management Services (SAEMS) Mr Nic Bruchhausen, who commented as a registered Health and Safety officer.
Mr Bruchhausen commented as follows:
With regard to the incident that took place where an employee fell roughly “five to six meters” and which was witnessed by a customer, the following can be taken from this incident:
Although it can be extremely unsafe to do so, it is not illegal for employees to stand on a “stable platform” and be lifted by a forklift.
Having said that, any person standing on a platform should be wearing a full body harness with lanyard and should be attached to the main lifting frame without obstructing the lifting mechanism.
Standing on top of a load while it is being lifted does not constitute a stable platform and thus should not be allowed at all.
When a forklift is being operated, the area should be closed off to all persons due to the risk of falling objects.
There are two parties at fault here, management and the employees.
Management should have the correct training and understanding of the risks involved and ensure that staff have a safe and healthy working environment.
In the event of any unsafe act being performed by an employee, it should immediately be stopped and all safety measures be put in place.
Employees should not perform any unsafe act and should refuse to carry out such an order from management. Employees are liable for their own Health and Safety.
In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, both employees and employers are responsible for the Health and Safety within the organisation and should always do their best to ensure that their working environment is as safe as reasonably practical.
SAEMS has various Health and Safety programmes and packages that address these issues and assist companies in achieving a healthy and safe environment for all.
