SAFETY ALERT NRX21-06 ON TRACK PLANT COLLISION
OVERVIEW
On the 2nd May 2021 at around 07:00, the Machine Operator of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform(MEWP)Road Rail Vehicle (RRV) suffered injuries when the basket of the MEWP in which they were traveling was struck by the jib of a 360o Crane RRV which had been travelling behind it.
The Operator was trapped and had to be freed by emergency services, suffering injuries that are potentially life changing, The Controller was uninjured.
Both the Operator and Controller who were travelling in the cab of the 360o Crane RRV were uninjured.
The collision occurred as the vehicles were travelling within an Engineering Worksite, to their off-tracking location.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Principal Contractor, RAIB and ORR.
A further Safety Bulletin will be issued once further learning is identified.
DISCUSSION POINTS
- Are arrangements in place to maintain adequate stopping distance between RRV’s when traveling? How are these monitored?
- How are safe travel speeds determined and communicated?
- How is the risk of Operators losing concentration, for example through distraction or fatigue, minimised?
- What is the role of the Plant Operations Scheme Representative in making sure these controls are effective? What is done to make sure risks from the way a possession is planned, for example gradient, worksite length or long travel distances form the Access Point, are identified and minimised?
- When is it appropriate for a Machine or Crane Controller to ride in an RRV? Why might they choose to travel in a RRV at other times and what is done to prevent this happening?
