Page 752 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 273

10 November 2011

Unloading Near Miss

This month, the HSE released its annual figures for workplace deaths – with an increase
of 24 fatalities compared to the previous year, despite all the focus that safety now gets
in the workplace.

The Institute of Safety and Health (IOSH) voiced its concerns over these statistics,
suggesting the figure could be a delayed effect of the recession and ‘belt-tightening’.
Richard Jones, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “We’re concerned that this could
be a delayed knock-on effect of recession and ‘belt-tightening’ – like cutting back on
training and maintenance – that could now be beginning to bite.”

At Xmo Strata, we are committed to increasing safety awareness for all our employees
and approved subcontractors and these bulletins are distributed to raise awareness levels
and raise people’s perception of risk.

Please see enclosed self-explanatory safety alert issued by the Global Alliance.

We do not operate fork lift trucks on our sites, but unloading and operating plant on site
is a common task. A banksman must be used for any activity that involves the
movement of vehicles or plant on site, be that a MEWP, a HIAB or a delivery vehicle.

The banksman must be positioned at ground level where they have clear unobstructed
view of the plant and the surrounding area and must be in clear communication with the
plant operator.

Risk management is a big step towards accident prevention; however, it is dependent on the risk firstly
being identified, then controlled. We need safety awareness to be instinctive and form an integral part
of both our working and home lives; it is this, in turn, that may save the lives of others. Remember: if
shared, risks can be mitigated before they pose a threat.

If you have any queries regarding the Safety Bulletin content or require further information please
contact any staff member of Xmo Strata Ltd.