COLAS SAFETY ALERT – SLIP ON ICY SLEEPER
WHAT HAPPENED? – Operative slipped on an icy wooden sleeper
During works being undertaken at Woking Siding for SRSA an Operative slipped on a wooden sleeper that was covered in ice, causing him to fall onto his right ankle causing an injury, first aid was given on-site and the operative was taken to the hospital.
The operative was walking at the time of the incident and not undertaking any manual task and instead of walking on the ballast he stepped on an icy wooden slipper and slipped.
The site team confirmed all operatives were briefed to walk on the ballast and take extra care when walking because of the icy conditions.
Take 5
This can be as simple as pausing for five seconds to think about what you’re about to do and ask yourself if you’re aware of the risks, have the right control measures in place and make sure you’re safe to proceed.
Taking 5 really can be the difference between you and your colleagues getting home safe every day.
ALL CONCERNED!
- Take 5 prior to work and assess the site for any hazards including walking routes.
- Brief all site risks to operatives and log a safety conversation on CARL
- If the worksite contains hazards that cannot be closed out prior to work starting, stop work and do not undertake until it’s safe to do so.
MANAGERS & SUPERVISORS
- Undertake Safety conversations with your team on the topic of slips, trips and falls.
- Make sure walking routes, platforms and stairways etc are salted/gritted regularly, with signage where required.
- Do not grit on ballast/rail/near signalling equipment.
- If site conditions are unsafe encourage your teams to stand down and re-plan work for when conditions are safer.
