1. Hip Fracture: Walking on the pipe
INCIDENT
A Rigger was engaged in the alignment of 14” DSS pipe with his colleague. When the
alignment was completed at his end he tried to cross to the adjacent scaffold, by walking
along the DSS pipe across a gap of approximately 1.5m. While doing so, he slipped and
fell from a height of approximately 6m causing a fracture to his left lower hip.
ROOT CAUSES:
Failure to recognize the need for access between adjacent locations when building scaffolding structures
Failure to encourage the intervention of unsafe acts and conditions
Lateral Learning
Do not walk on pipes
Always hook up your harness while working at height
Don’t leave unnecessary gaps between scaffold structures
Always follow/ use the defined access and egress routes at the work place.
Recommended Actions:
Discuss this alert in toolbox talks and HSE meetings and
Distribute to all contractors
Post on HSE notice boards
Include in site HSE induction
Key Learning: Do not walk on pipes and always follow Life Saving Rules
Hip Fracture: Walking on the pipe
Contact MSE511 for further information or visit HSE website LTI No Alert No January, 2011