* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HAZARD ALERT * * * * Produced by: Saskatchewan Human Resources, * * Labour and Employment * * Provided by: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * WORKER KILLED WHILE STORING STEEL PLATE ON A-FRAME *** FATALITY: *** A Saskatchewan worker was fatally injured when a heavy steel plate he was placing against an A-frame storage rack fell forward, crushing him. The worker was experienced and there is no indication of equipment failure. *** WORKER: *** A welder/fitter with 11 years of experience with employer, plus previous experience. *** CIRCUMSTANCES: *** In the construction and metal fabrication industries, it is common practice to store sheet metal by leaning it against an A-frame, a wall or some other object. In this instance, A-frames and the metal handling processes employed had been used for many years at the worker's place of employment. The worker was using an overhead crane and clamp to move a large, 1129 pound, steel plate from a work table to an A-frame storage rack. When the clamp was released the plate tipped forward and crushed him against a storage bin used for scrap metal. The reason why the plate fell forward is unknown as there were no witnesses to the work procedure used. The deceased may have tripped, causing him to lose his balance and control of the plate, as he was attempting to lean the steel against the other plates on the A-frame. The direct cause of the mishap apparently was that the steel plate was not secure when the clamp was released. There was, therefore, nothing to restrain it once it began to tip forward. The cluttered area in front of the A-frame may have been a contributing factor. This could have impeded the escape of the worker. *** PREVENTATIVE MEASURES: *** It is strongly recommended that A-frames, racks, walls and similar methos of storage not be used unless devices and safe work procedures are in place which will prevent loss of control of heavy objects which are being stored or handled. Employers, in co-operation with workers and occupational health committee members, must also develop and implement measures to identiy and control maintenence and housekeeping hazards. *** REGULATIONS CONTRAVENED: *** The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, section 5(b) requires that the employer make arrangements for the safety and for the absence of risk to health in connection with the use, handling, strorage and transport of articles and substances. Section 5(d) requires employers to provide and maintain a safe means of access to and egress from, all work areas within the place of employment. *** FOR MORE INFORMATION: *** The Occupational Health and Safety Branch, 1870 Albert Street, Regina S4P 3V7 (phone 787-4496). Saskatoon office, 3130 - 8th St. East S7H 0W2 (phone 933-5052). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *