Case No.

65

Drawn into the mixer while cleaning a Concrete Pump Vehicle

1. Introduction
A Worker (the deceased) was drawn into the mixer while cleaning up a concrete pump vehicle. He passed
away.

2. Circumstances & finding

2.1 On the day of accident, the deceased who was a worker, worked with some co-workers in different
locations of the flat. A mixer is a device to mix concrete delivered from concrete mixer truck in
order to prevent it from hardening. A rotating mixing rod with clades is located in the mixer.
Although a protective metal net in mounted on the opening of the mixer during pressurized
concrete delivery, it is necessary to remove the net when the mixer is being cleaned.
2.2 Prior to the accident (2:30 PM), the deceased was engaged to clean up with inside of the mixer of
the concrete pump vehicle, which was parked at a location some 30M from the office.
2.3 After a while (3:00 PM), a co-worker found the deceased was sucking into the pump unit due to the
concrete pump still running and the operating lever was at the activated position.

3. Cause of accident
3.1 The victim was carrying out cleaning work without turning off the power switch of the mixer.
3.2 The worker was too close to the rotating mixing rod while washing the inside of mixer.
3.3 The worker is believed to have put his hand into the mixer while the mixing rod was rotating.
3.4 No risk assessment was conducted before cleaning up a concrete pump vehicle
3.5 No instruction on proper cleaning procedure was given to the workers. The workers performed
cleaning work without any supervision.
3.6 In the course of the cleaning work, the worker were required to move frequently along the wet
area.

4. Recommendation
4.1 The victim was carrying out cleaning work must turning off the power switch of the mixer.
4.2 The worker should keep some clearance space between the rotating mixing rod and work area
while washing the inside of mixer.
4.3 The Provision of necessary and adequate safety information, instruction, training and supervision
to workers engaged in the cleaning work.
4.4 A safe system of work for cleaning should be advised and maintain. The system should include, but
not limit to the following:
4.4.1
To conduct risk assessment to identify all potential hazards;
4.4.2
To devise safe working methods, procedures and precautionary measures;
4.4.3
To develop means to ensure proper implementation of the system; and
4.4.4
To monitor the system when the cleaning work is in progress.