The rig mechanic was clearing a tangle (“birds nest”) in the crane wire. The wire was under tension. He was feeding the wire into the spooling guide sheave when a knot released suddenly, his finger was crushed by the wire in the guide groove. LTI no.09: 04/April/01 LTI no.09: 04/April/01 crane wire

What made the birds nest? When the travelling block was stuck in the crown sheave the crane operator tried to lower the travelling block, which unspooled most of the wire from the winch drum, making a big birds nest. LTI no.09: 04/April/01 LTI no.09: 04/April/01 travelling block

How did the block get stuck? Crane driver forgot to winch out wire when extending the jib. Why no safe guards on crane? Anti collision cut-out switch not working. Problem was known but not reported. LTI no.09: 04/April/01 LTI no.09: 04/April/01 Jib goes Out Block comes Up Hits Sheaves gets stuck

What went wrong? * Wrong way to handle wire, hands too close to pulley. * Wrong procedure used to unwind birds nest. Fork lift should not have been used to pull out wire, communication between workers restricted. * Existing and know fault not reported and NOT fixed How do we put it right? * Improve training and competencey. * Enhance supervision to ensure work planning: tool box talks, use permit to work for non-routine jobs, hazard recognition, follow proper procedures. * Make vehicle check lists more specific. * Increase vehicle inspections by competent technicians. LTI no.09: 04/April/01 LTI no.09: 04/April/01