[Hallb-engineering] Fwd: Lesson Learned "Shop Employee Suffers a Torn Bicep while Carrying Sheet Metal - Argonne National Laboratory"

[Douglas Tilles]

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Subject: Lesson Learned "Shop Employee Suffers a Torn Bicep while Carrying Sheet Metal - Argonne National Laboratory"






	Shop Employee Suffers a Torn Bicep while Carrying Sheet Metal - Argonne National Laboratory 	
Statement of Lessons Learned 
For a copy of the original report, see Attachments on Lessons Learned page. 

Heavy lifting (>50lbs) requires the use of a mechanical lifting device or 2-people. Identifying the approximate weight of materials before lifting them eliminates the need to guess whether it is considered too heavy for a single person. In addition, training on proper lifting techniques helps to ensure lifts are performed in a safe and effective manner. Discussion of Activities 
On January 29, 2014, a shop employee suffered a bicep tear while moving a piece of 11 gauge sheet metal without assistance. The sheet measured ~48.5� x 58� and weighed ~100lbs. The employee obtained the sheet from a rack using a gripper device.  He dragged the sheet approximately 12 feet, and then lifted it onto a table.  

Interviews with the injured employee revealed that he had performed this type of one-person lift prior to employment at the lab. He also stated he was aware that lifting anything over 50 pounds at the lab required the use a mechanical lifting device or two-people. He stated that he had attempted this lift because he had underestimated the weight.  

The move and lift of this item also resulted in an awkward arm positioning due to its size. It required the employee to grab the sheet from the rack with a gripper device using the left hand, stabilizing the piece with the right hand while dragging it to the table approximately 12 feet away. The employee positioned the piece within a foot of the table, angled the sheet on a corner, adjusted his position to lift the piece, held onto the gripper with his left hand, grabbed the other side of the piece with his right hand and picked up the piece. The employee indicated that while moving the piece in this manner, his right arm was extended straight down and slightly bent towards the floor.

During the lift he heard a pop, and felt a tear and sharp pain in the bicep area.  He immediately set the sheet down and contacted his supervisor. A 911 call was placed to report the injury. Analysis 
Discussions with co-workers revealed awareness that heavy lifts (>50lbs) require the use of a mechanical lifting device or 2-people. Although it was understood, no mechanism had been provided to determine the weight of unmarked stock. Since employees do not readily recognize weight through visual observation, this put them in a position of having to guess the weight of items.

Lifting training was offered by the lab, however the training was not a required course. It was listed only as a suggested course, regardless of job description and functions. Therefore, an employee�s job, which may require heavy lifting was not contingent on the successful completion of any training to ensure safe and effective performance. Recommended Actions 
Below are the consequences of the above event.  They are provided for information and discussion purposes only. 

�	Develop signs showing weights and dimensions of commonly used stock material and post them throughout shop areas 
�	Discuss the purpose of the new signage at group meetings.
�	Make Safety/Lifting training a required course for employees who perform lifting activities as a regular part of their duties. 
Comments 
4/21/2014 9:46:09 AM by Bailey, Mary Jo 
Submitted to those with current in the following training:
�MED05: SAFE LIFTING (ERGONOMICS) 	
Summary 	Lesson ID: 	814 
	Status: 	OK 
	Doc ID: 	2014-JLAB-814 
	Priority: 	Info 
	Safety Related: 	YES 
	Originator: 	Bailey, Mary Jo 
	Issued: 	4/21/2014 9:42:39 AM 
	Approved By: 	Bailey, Mary Jo 
	Approved On: 	4/21/2014 9:46:09 AM 
	Source: 	DOECRD 
	Location: 	ANL 
	Cost Savings: 	
	Contact: 	Jeff Alicz, alicz at anl.gov, (630) 252-9525 
	Queued Emails: 	0 
	Sent Emails: 	0 
	Viewings: 	1 times Attachments 

Hazard Issues 

    * Other: Ergonomics 
Skills 

    * MED05: SAFE LIFTING (ERGONOMICS) 
Distribution/Notification 

    * *Division Safety Officers (DSOs) 
    * *Safety Wardens 
    * *DOE Notification 
    * *ESH&Q Liaisons