Description of Driving Event:
DFRC B4823 Incident Report: An iron worker, working alone, was rolling up large sheets (4'x10') of galvanized sheet metal that had been laid down on the slab in front of an addition to a flightline building. While rolling one of the sheets into the wind, a gust of wind picked up one end of the sheet metal causing it to curl up rapidly towards the worker. A corner of the sheet slashed backward, cutting deeply into the worker's left forearm. Medical personnel arrived quickly. The wound was treated and bandaged at the site and the worker was transported to the hospital for stitches. The accident occurred on a Friday, and the ironworker recuperated over the weekend. He returned to work on Monday morning. Just prior to the accident, the project inspector advised the ironworker to roll up the metal sheets in the direction of the wind.
Lesson(s) Learned:
- Do not handle large materials on open exposed flightline on windy days.
- Even routine material handling operations can be hazardous when that activity is not well planned.
Recommendation(s):
- Materials with large surface areas should be handled INSIDE the shelter of the building--not outside in the wind.
- When working with large material items, provide a second person to help secure and control the material
- Include hazard awareness and mitigation measures in the daily safety meeting prior to handling large items. When a NASA safety officer (the project inspector) provides safety advice, listen and follow that advice.
Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:
N/A
Documents Related to Lesson:
N/A
Mission Directorate(s):
- Exploration Systems
- Aeronautics Research
Additional Key Phrase(s):
Additional Info:
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