PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERS

IRIGA CHAPTER
https://www.facebook.com/pice.usant

Date: 19 January 2015

To: Engr. Solomon C. Ngo

President, PICE Iriga City- Rinconada Chapter

From: Engr. Mark Lincel L. Tagong

Project Engineer

Subject: INJURY CAUSED BY DISMANTLING AN OLD DE- BARKER

Incident summary

Three workers were dismantling an old de-barker inside a saw mill as a part of a
sawmill upgrade. The job required the removal of a chain weighing 700 pounds (318
kilograms). The conveyor deck was at a height above a concrete floor. The workers
began pulling the chain up onto the conveyor deck. They were stacking it as one
continuous piece. When the last 5 feet (1.5 metres) of chain was pulled around the tail
drum, the weight of the chain caused it to start falling to the ground below. One worker
was caught by the falling chain and fell 22 feet (6.7 metres) to the concrete floor,
sustaining severe injuries.

Investigation conclusions

Cause

 Chain was not secured from inadvertent movement: The workers pulled the
conveyor chain up and onto the conveyor top pan without tying it back to prevent
any inadvertent movement that would cause it to fall to the floor below. A worker
was seriously injured when he became caught in the chain as it slipped over the
edge of the conveyor platform and fell 22 feet (6.7 metres) to the concrete floor
below.

Underlying factors
 Not using fall protection: The worker who fell had not tied off his fall protection
harness. The employer had a policy and procedures in place for the use of fall
protection and had reminded the workers of that policy at a toolbox meeting on
the morning of the incident.
  Weight of chain created unforeseen hazard: The supervisors did not conduct a full
risk assessment or identify the hazards involved in the task of removing the
conveyor chain. One supervisor told the workers to cut the chain into small,
manageable pieces for disposal. After analyzing the de-barker, two workers
decided to move the chain as one piece. The workers did not understand that there
would be fewer hazards performing the task if the chain was cut into pieces,
failing to recognize the hazard caused by the weight of the chain.

Recommendations

In order to avoid any untoward incident from happening again in the site, I
recommend the following:

1. Be aware of the risks around. Common hazards on construction sites include

falling debris and materials, live electrical wiring, and falls from high heights.
2. Put up tools and materials when you’re done using them and ensure your
workspace is free of hazards. Keep all walkways clear and free of debris to
prevent unnecessary falls and slips.
3. Take part in any training provided. Additionally, don’t operate any equipment
you’re not qualified or trained to use.
4. Report any dangerous working conditions. If you spot hazards in your work
environment, report it to your employer. If necessary, go to your union
representative or file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration.
5. Maintain your tools. Before using a piece of equipment or machinery, ensure it is
in proper working order. Keep all tools and machinery on a regular inspection
schedule.
6. Wear safety gear. Always wear the recommended safety equipment for your job.
Whether it’s a hard hat, goggles, gloves, or protective suit, these items could save
your life.
7. Follow any and all guidelines set in place by OSHA or your employer. These are
designed to keep you, your colleagues, and anyone else on the site safe.