SAFETY ALERT

Near Miss - Same Level Fall

Alert Issue Date: 30-08-2021 Reference: 001/21
WHAT HAPPENED?
 A Near Miss event occurred at Parcel
1.12 on the 23rd Aug 21 when a
Carpenter, who was walking at
Basement No.4 towards the elevator,
tripped on a protruding tie rod which
resulted in his falling.
 No injury resulted and after checking
the Carpenter returned to work.

CAUSATION:
The immediate causes associated with the Event are related to an individual not fully
concentrating on his environment and where he was walking. This was compounded
by previously installed safety control measures (cones and warning tape) which had
been placed by the rods having been moved to allow for cleaning of an area but not
replaced.

The root cause of the event is that although the trip hazard posed by the tie rods had
been previously identified and mitigated, the hazard had not been completely
removed as it was identified by the Construction Team that the rods were needed for a
future activity. When challenged following the Event the Construction team agreed
that the rods could be removed and that the future planned work could be managed
via alternative means.
CORRECTIVE AND PREVENTIVE ACTION:
The protruding tie rods were cut and removed immediately following the Event.

A survey of the building was subsequently undertaken to identify any additional

potential trip hazards. This highlighted areas on three levels of the building which were
barriered off and signed to prevent anyone accessing them.

All Parcel staff and workforce were briefed on the Event and of the need to be
constantly vigilant and aware of their workplace environment and potential hazards as
they work and walk within the building.
LESSONS LEARNED:
Construction sites invariable contain trip/slip hazards. All individuals must be aware of
their environment and concentrate whilst walking around the site.

Barriers and warning signage should not be removed unless authorized to do so.

This Event emphasizes the need for always following the hierarchy of control during the
risk assessment process. The trip hazard had previously been identified and control
measures installed to mitigate however if the tie rods had physically been removed the
risk would have been eliminated and the Near Miss would not have occurred.