Crushing and entrapment toolbox talk

What it is

People caught or crushed between vehicles, trailers, plant, loads or structures, or trapped under or inside them.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Keep people out of the path of moving plant and loads using exclusion zones, barriers and designated walkways.
2. Never stand between vehicles, trailers, plant or loads and a fixed structure, especially when coupling or reversing.
3. Lower attachments to the ground, isolate plant, and prop or block raised parts before anyone works under them.
4. Use spotters with agreed signals when reversing or positioning plant in tight areas.
5. Do a head count and check inside and under plant, bins and containers before closing, moving or starting them.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with crushing and entrapment:

• Coupling/ uncoupling trailersCouple and uncouple trailers without crush injuries or entrapmentFrom Concrete Washout Collection
• Coupling/uncoupling trailersCouple and uncouple trailers without crush or entrapment injuries.From Semi-truck Trailer
• Removing & replacing coversManage the risks of heavy lifting and crush injuries when removing and replacing covers.From Pit Cover Raising
• Unstable conditions / structureCrush injuries; DeathFrom Hoarder Cleaning Plan
• Working near powered mobile plantStruck by, crush injuriesFrom Stone Pitching

Questions for the crew

1. Where could crushing and entrapment come up on this job today?
2. The most effective control is: “Keep people out of the path of moving plant and loads using exclusion zones, barriers and designated walkways”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
3. Which controls for crushing and entrapment are missing or not working on this site?
4. When would you stop work because of crushing and entrapment, and who would you tell?
5. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?