Worker Struck By Chunk Of Steel

A worker knowingly walked into a dangerous area and was hit by a heavy object as it fell.

He was working at a plant which dismantles large machinery. Metal was cut with torches and large pieces of steel would drop to the ground. The victim was hit by a chunk of steel and died of a head injury.

The victim was an experienced worker. It was not part of his job to be there and his co-workers do not know why he entered the area.

A highly visible, complete and continuous barrier should be in place to prevent entry into an area where material is falling. While all workers must be trained to avoid hazards such as this, they should be physically prevented from wandering into danger zones. A lookout equipped with a radio should also be on duty in cases such as this, to warn equipment operators if anyone is in the danger zone.