1. and see how GPS could have prevented this disaster!
Let’s Check Three
and see how GPS could have prevented this disaster!
The Scenario:
Check Three Analysis:
A 33-year-old TSgt was aiding a co-worker (driver) by directing his forklift while loading crates onto the back of a 40-foot flatbed tractor trailer. During the operation the TSgt, standing on the trailer bed, lost sight of the driver so he stepped sideways and backwards attempting to regain visibility of the driver operating the forklift. The TSgt immediately fell off the bed of the trailer and landed on his left side. The operator ceased operations and went to the aid of the TSgt. The forklift driver called for medical aid, and the TSgt was taken to an emergency treatment facility and received interim care. The TSgt was admitted to a local area hospital for x-rays and diagnosed with a broken left arm and fractured elbow. Vicodin and Ibuprofen were prescribed for pain. The TSgt remained in the hospital overnight for observation and was placed on quarters for 2 days.
Gear
Passive fall protection shall be provided whenever workers can fall four (4) feet or more. This four (4) foot rule applies to all walking and working surfaces and includes open-sided floors and platforms, wall openings, and window wall openings at a stairway landing, floor, platform, or balcony with a drop of four (4) feet or more (Ref: AFI , Chapter 13).
Plan
It sounds like he did have a plan and that this is a routine task. He actually had been on the trailer for some time and had successfully navigated away from the edge multiple times prior to the mishap. Inattention became a factor after the repetitive nature of the task. Maybe a risk assessment could have led to the member staying on the ground or having someone watching him so they could yell out a warning when he got close to the edge of the trailer.
Skills
The TSgt and the driver both had the training required for the task, but better training on identifying and mitigating risk may have helped.