From The Construction Zone: September 2000

Accident Investigators, Claims Managers and Safety People are famous for collecting data. They collect the who, what, when, where and why of accidents. 

We at Nevada Contractors Insurance are no exception. Recently our friends at S & C Claims added another update to their already excellent data automation program (software), which helps us really pin down the cause and effect, type and nature of our program’s accident trends.

The Nevada Contractors Insurance Claims Committee has asked me do a monthly column, with the intent of sharing these accidents trends with everyone. 

It is our wish to pass this information along with the hope that you may take some action to prevent same kinds of things from happening at your work area. Pass it along at safety meetings, tailgate talks, and maybe even post them on your bulletin boards.

Lately it seems, we have had a rash of accidents directly related to cutting, removing and disposing of banding material, that high-tension metal strapping that which is used to secure pallets of material and bundles of pipe.

One individual received a fairly long and deep gash in his cheek resulting from cutting banding with a hatchet. When the band flew apart, it missed his eye by a couple of inches.

Another accident occurred when a worker was cutting strapping from a bundle of plastic pipe. He was standing on the bundle. Guess what happened when he cut the last strap. You got it. Down he went, injuring himself and sending pipe everywhere.

Still a third person was carrying banding material to the scrap pile when this ball of metal snakes decided to fight back. The result was a cut in the throat area. Not too serious, but it could have been fatal!

Cut banding with the proper tools. A band cutter is best because of their long handles keep your face at a safe distance, if a band cutter is not available then use tin snips. Never use a hatchet, because it puts your face very close to the banding.

When cutting bands from pallets, do not stand on them. Also check the stack or bundle to make sure the load will not collapse or fall when the last band lets go. If you are unsure, then consider moving it close to a wall or other support to catch the load.

Eye protection is a must, full-face protection is better.

Dispose of the cut bands properly. Do not put a pile of scrap banding in isle ways and passageways or around trash disposal areas.

Landram can be reached at (702) 678-6868 or on the web at rlandram@pboa.com

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