FHI Major Projects - Laceration Injury
People
Workplace
Management
Work Environment
Live airport operations which involved delays, work pauses and other interference
Physical work layout/ conditions were within a trench which is a confined space
Work environment was restrictive due to scope of works being conduit installation which involved trench excavations, pipe installation, sand etc. all moving in a small area
Individual factors
Worker operating grinder was experienced, trained, competent and compliant with all inductions and associated documentation such as signing onto SWMS
Individual was wearing all required and appropriate PPE
Individual was aware of a more suitable tool available for use; however, proceeded with grinder
Individual was initially unaware that they wer contacted by an object and sustained a deep/ serious laceration
Training/ Competencies
The individual required an online and onsite induction which was completed and on record
The individual required a general Construction Induction Card which was on file
The individual possessed an electricians qualification
There was no history of previous medical incidents or cases for the individual
Systems Organisational Management
process
ADBSFG have their own process for installing conduits which was applied for the scope of works
Standard/ general practice according to ADBSFG is that sandbags are placed over the end of the conduits to highlight the end. This did not occur when the incident took place.
A reciprocating saw is generally used and known to be the more suitable tool for cutting conduit within a trench which was not used.
Job Design
The job was planned to occur throughout the day instead of night, despite the interference from ongoing/ live and operational aircraft movements
Potential external workload pressures were involved to finish the job, or keep progressing due to the number of delays from organisational factors, such as airport interference etc.
Job requirements
An excavation permit was required for the conduit installation which was issued and followed through the correct process
Two SWMS, FH and ADBSFG (Principal Contractor and Subcontractor) were required for the works which were reviewed and signed by all involved workers before activities commenced.
'Work as Done' vs 'Work as Imagined'
It was expected or intended for approximately 120m of conduit and trenching would be completed throughout the day however only roughly 70m were being completed per day.
This may have contributed to workplace pressures/ stress.