Disclaimer: This resource has been prepared to help the workplace parties understand some of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and regulations. It is not legal advice. It is not intended to replace the OHSA or the regulations. For further information please see full disclaimer.
On May 21, 2013, a new worker was fatally injured when the steel plate that he was moving horizontally with an overhead crane and plate hooks suddenly slipped off the hooks and fell onto the worker. It was the worker's third week on the job and first day doing this specific task.
The inch-thick hardened steel plate being moved was eight feet wide, 24 feet long, and weighed 3,556 kg. The plate was being removed from a stack of plates to an adjacent cutting table.
Figure 1: Lifting Arrangement for 1" Steel Plate
The plate was being lifted and moved with a pair of pup hooks (also known as plate hooks), each attached with two hooks and two chains secured to a spreader beam hooked to the crane (see photo above).
As the plate was being manoeuvred, the plate hooks slipped off the plate. The plate then fell onto the worker, injuring the worker fatally.
Steel plates must never be hoisted in this manner because the material may fall as a result of the hooks being dislodged if the plate unexpectedly shifts because of an unbalanced load or an accidental slackening of the hoisting chains.
Improper design, use and maintenance of hoisting and rigging equipment can cause the equipment to fail or the material to fall, potentially injuring or killing a worker.
This Alert applies to any sectors that lift and/or handle materials using lifting devices, including but not limited to fabrication, automotive, construction, industrial services, live entertainment, and the steel industry.
Employers must develop proper procedures for handling different materials in their workplace, including proper hoisting and rigging procedures.
Employers must ensure that appropriate equipment is provided and maintained for the specific material being handled.
Employers must ensure that workers are adequately instructed, trained and supervised in the operation of lifting devices and proper hoisting and rigging procedures specific to the material being handled.
Employers must ensure that all hooks, clamps, fittings or attachments used in conjunction with chains, cables or wire ropes attached to the crane or spreader bar are properly and positively secured to the material being moved. The hooks, clamps, fittings or attachments must not be able to be dislodged:
The use of "positive engagement clamps" (i.e. secured in place so they cannot be dislodged due to accidental contact or slackening of the chain) is one way to ensure that clamps are properly secured to the material at all times.
The material must not be able to slide out of the hooks or clamps if the material shifts for any reason.
The employer should ensure that the manufacturer's specifications are followed including use, maintenance and limitations. The clamps used should be appropriate for the lifting tasks to ensure the lift can be done safely.
Sections 25 to 28 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act set out the roles and responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers to protect the health and safety of workers. These requirements apply to all activities in the workplace, including when material is being hoisted and/or moved by a lifting or rigging device.
The following sector-specific regulations under the OHSA prescribe requirements for lifting devices and hoisting and rigging equipment.
(2) A sling or similar device made of web-type fabric or nylon shall be labeled to indicate its load rating capacity.
(3) No sling or similar device for rigging or hoisting made of web-type fabric or nylon shall be used if it may be cut.
(2) No guide rope or tag line shall be removed from a load referred to in subsection (1) until the load is landed and there is no danger of it tipping, collapsing or rolling.
IHSA Hoisting and Rigging Safety Manual
www.ihsa.ca
ASME B30.20, Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices
www.asme.org
Workplace Safety and Prevention Services
wsps.ca
Ontario.ca e-Laws
ontario.ca/laws
Or contact the Ministry of Labour Health & Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008.
Remember that while complying with occupational health and safety laws, you are also required to comply with applicable environmental laws.
Permission is granted to photocopy Ministry of Labour alerts. Please distribute them widely and post them where people will see them.
ISSN 1195-5228
Disclaimer: This web resource has been prepared to assist the workplace parties in understanding some of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the regulations. It is not intended to replace the OHSA or the regulations and reference should always be made to the official version of the legislation.
It is the responsibility of the workplace parties to ensure compliance with the legislation. This web resource does not constitute legal advice. If you require assistance with respect to the interpretation of the legislation and its potential application in specific circumstances, please contact your legal counsel.
While this web resource will also be available to Ministry of Labour inspectors, they will apply and enforce the OHSA and its regulations based on the facts as they may find them in the workplace. This web resource does not affect their enforcement discretion in any way.
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