Description of Incident
An inspector was fatally injured while inspecting a gantry crane at an indoor enclosed compressor
station. The gantry crane had a walkway with limited clearance, only about 2 inches, between the
handrail and the overhead ceiling beam.
The inspector was positioned facing north, towards the handrail and away from the direction of
crane travel, as they inspected the J-bolts. The crane operator moved the crane from the north to
the south wall, with the inspector standing on the crane walkway. The location of the walkways
made it difficult for the operator of the crane, who was positioned at the crane controls on the
engine level walkway, to maintain line of sight with the inspector on the far end of the crane
walkway. Without clear visual or audible communication, the operator was unaware of the
inspector's positioning as the crane approached the overhead beam.
The fatal incident occurred when the moving crane pinned the inspector between the handrail and
the overhead ceiling beam, due to the severe crush hazard created by the limited clearance.
To view this IADC alert in full, click the'Download Alert'button above.
Rate this alert
Average Rating
Latest Alerts & Moments
Our searchable catalogue of hundreds of Safety Alerts and Safety Moments are all designed as learning resources that can help improve workplace safety.