LTI – Finger crush whilst operating safety gate
What happened
A crew member got his finger trapped in a hinged fall protection bar on a crane pedestal platform, causing a serious injury. The crew member was climbing the main crane vertical ladder; when he reached the top of the ladder, he used his right hand to raise the hinged fall protection bar to gain access to the crane pedestal platform. He kept his right hand on the bar until it was at 180 degrees, trapping his finger between the bar and the handrail.
What went wrong
Our member notes that this accident is still under investigation; however, it is recognised that there is potential for a similar event to occur elsewhere where the use of the same or similar type of hinged fall protection bar has been fitted.
Actions
The following action is being taken: An immediate review of all work areas and identify if the same or similar type arrangement is fitted anywhere else.
Our member notes different or alternate safety gates for consideration:
- https://www.yellowgate.com/product/swing-gates/
- https://www.materialshandling.com.au/products/flex-impact-single-and-double-axes-gates/
- http://cablesafe.com/dropped-objects-prevention/self-closing-safety-gates/
Members may wish to refer to:
Safety Event
Published: 18 December 2023
Download: 
IMCA SF 29/23
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.