Rigging hazards and prevention highlighted in new SHIPS document

Workers performing rigging functions may be at risk of falls, electric shock, amputation, and being crushed by objects. To keep these workers safe, OSHA has issued a Safety and Health Injury Prevention Sheet.

The SHIPS, as it is called, has sections on how shipyard workers are exposed to hazards and some measures employers should implement to prevent accidents. It also contains eight case studies of workers injured or killed while performing rigging operations and the practices that contributed to the unsafe conditions.

Workers who perform rigging functions use ropes and cables to secure a ship's parts and sections for lifting by cranes, hoists, and other material handling equipment. The dangers occur when loads are improperly rigged.

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Fall hazards are created by uneven working surfaces, wet and slippery working surfaces, working surfaces that are not cleared of obstructions, improper use of portable ladders, and unprotected sides, bulkhead openings, and deck holes more than 5 feet.

Workers may be at risk of being struck or crushed when gear and equipment are not properly inspected, there is defective gear and equipment, moving parts and equipment get out of hand, loads are not safely rigged before being hoisted, improper use of tag line so hoisting material swings out of control, loads swung or suspended overhead, and hazardous locations between a swinging load and a fixed object.

Electrical hazards may be created by the use of hoisting and hauling equipment near energized lines, tools and equipment that are not properly grounded, defective electrical tools, and worn or frayed electrical cables.

The SHIPS includes recommendations and descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards but is not a standard or regulation and creates no new legal obligations.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

May 19, 2011

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