What Happened / Impact?
The lid of a Job-Box unexpectantly slammed closed on an individual’s hand resulting in a 10mm laceration between the thumb and index finger of their right hand.
The Injured Person (IP) was helping setup a workstation for fusion welding on a gas main. The IP went to retrieve the welding machine from the Job-Box when the lid closed suddenly on their hand. The injury necessitated surgery to repair tendons in the IP’s hand.
Why it Happened?
Immediate Cause: The lid of the Job-Box closed on the IP’s hand.
Underlying Cause: A chain fitted to the lid of the Job-Box was ineffective and did not prevent the lid from ‘slamming’ closed.
Root Cause: Defective equipment; the Job-Box was not fitted with a safety catch (or a slow-closing mechanism) that would have prevented injury by retaining the lid in the open position.
Immediate Learnings / Recommendations
The Job-Box was removed from site and replaced with a replacement Job-Box incorporating a slow-closing mechanism.
See example provided of a Job-Box with safety devices to prevent lid from closing unintentionally.
