The HSE has published a safety notice aimed at excavator operators, slinger/signallers, site managers and supervisors, supporting personnel and anyone working near them.
During a lifting operation, a slinger was fatally crushed between the quick hitch and a fixed structure. The excavator operator was leaning out of their cab to communicate with the slinger when they inadvertently made contact with the left-hand joystick, causing the excavator to slew. The safety control lever had not been applied to isolate the machine.
If there are people in the operational arc of an excavator (or similar mobile plant), the safety control lever should be applied, or other methods used, to isolate the machine while no machine movements are being undertaken. Failure to do so means that there is a high risk that people can be struck by the excavator
Dutyholders must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure the safety of people in the working arc of slewing plant and any load, with proper planning, management and monitoring of work activities.
Further information can be viewed at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/excavators-safety-control-lever-isolation-devices.htm
As cited in the HSE alert, the Plant Safety Group, managed by CPA, has guidance on the unintended movement of plant: https://cpa.uk.net/document/reducing-unintended-movement-of-plant/ as well as lifting operations with excavators: https://cpa.uk.net/document/lifting-operations-with-180-360-excavators/. Both publications make clear on the use of the safety lever and ensuring supporting personnel are clear of the machine’s working danger zone during working activities.
