1. Covanta Mid Atlantic Region Safety ALERT
What happened?
A contractor was working to demolish and remove a baghouse.
The contractor employee was standing on a steel cross member. He cut one end of the cross member and then the middle connecting point.
After cutting the middle connecting point, the weld at the other end failed causing the cross member and a 12’X7’ plate of steel that was attached to it fell approximately 10’ to the ground.
The contractor jumped to a nearby scissor lift. He then jumped from there to an A frame ladder. This caused his fall arrest lanyard to arrest his movement.
What do you need to know?
The contractor was working as a Sub for another contractor.
The contractor was momentarily suspended in his harness but self rescued via the A frame ladder. He was uninjured.
How can we improve?
Tailgate this with all employees.
Review contractor work constantly.
Complete a fall hazard risk assessment before working at heights to ensure that the proper equipment is used.
Ensure that material being cut out us supported or suspended to prevent it from falling.
Ensure that contractor supervisors are engaged in work planning and execution.
Employee anchor point.
38’ Total
Employee was standing on this beam. Once
the end and middle were cut, the other end
weld failed and the beam fell.
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