Decisions. When Things Change!
Upset Conditions
The common point between on-the-job safety and worker injury is decision-making prompted by an upset condition or any event that interrupts a normal process and leads a worker to make a choice outside his or her routine.
Peter Lineen adds, "There are always higher risks whenever people must deviate from normal working routines."
NB: Incident reviews suggest that workers are up to 35 times more likely to be injured working during an upset condition than during normal operating conditions!
Peter Lineen is the Chief Operating Officer, for the BC Forest Safety Council (British Columbia).
FIPS 7049 High Potential Incident Man vs. Machine!
Description: A skidworker started work on a stem. At the same time, the skidder operator reversed over the stems head while turning to exit the skid. This caused the butt of the stem to move and knocked the skidworker over. The skidder operator had been leaving to the right of the skid changing direction (and the plan), this time he drove to the left and effectively caused an 'upset condition'.
Skid-sites are busy places where ground-workers are especially prone to contact especially when things do not go to plan! While the rules (see ACoP s. 6.2; 13.3) are very clear, managing change is just as important. We all know that circumstances arise. If we want to change the plan, then it is essential to STOP WORK and first use your RADAR!
View this article in Safety Bulletin 92