Hire and Rental News - February 2019

ACCESS IN ACTION Trestle ladder scaffolding accident highlights need for WHS compliance In a follow-up to our story on trestle ladder scaffolding in our November issue last year, we were interested to note a news report from WorkSafe WA about a registered builder being fined $22,000 after an apprentice fell 6m from trestle scaffolding and was seriously injured last year. T he accident happened mid-year last year when the builder was completing work on a two-storey timber-framed house. During the works, two workers were instructed to set carpenter’s trestles so they could install barge boards to the roof gable at the front of the house. The system of work implemented was to set up a single plank running between two 1.8m high trestles on the first floor timber verandah floor, approximately 3m above ground level. Only one scaffold bay was used so the plank was at an angle, and no fall injury prevention system was in place. During installation of the barge board, the apprentice carpenter fell approximately 6m to the compacted and levelled ground below sustaining severe facial injuries that required surgery to insert a steel plate in his cheek, a fractured left wrist and concussion. WorkSafe WA Commissioner Ian Munns said it was disappointing to see cases where employers had not taken every precaution to prevent falls in the workplace. “Over the past 10 years, 28 Western Australian workers have lost their lives as the result of work-related falls, with a number of workers sustaining permanent and life-changing injuries in falls. “This incident involved the use of a scaffolding method that provided no protection from falls for the workers. “The Code of Practice – Prevention of Falls at Workplaces has been in use in WA since 2004, and should be followed by anyone who has a duty to prevent falls at workplaces. “This code provides practical advice on the safe systems of work that should be in place where the risk of falls exists. “It is well known – especially in the construction industry – that working at heights is hazardous and that unprotected edges present a significant risk to workers. “The various means of removing or mitigating the risks are also well known throughout the industry, and control measures and equipment to minimise the risk of falls are readily available for a reasonable cost. “Employers need to be aware of all the laws involved when there is a fall risk at their workplace and ensure they have suitable safe work procedures in place.” n Further information on safe work at heights and the code of practice can be from WorkSafe on: 1300 307877 or at: www.worksafe.wa.gov.au New telehandler part of the Silent Force series Featuring a 5 ton lifting capacity at a 9m height with the new Chassis leveling feature, a 40% increase compared to its competitors, Manitou has launched its new MLT-X 961-145 V+ L Telehandler as part of the ‘Silent Force’ series. A lso including M-Vario plus transmission with inching pedals, the new telehandler has been equipped for traction and precision along with a Comfort Steering System proven to increase hourly productivity by 12%, the company said. The MLT-X 961 also has new speed-sensitive Active CRC boom suspension equipment with activation memory. ‘Regenerative Hydraulics’ is a new mechanism which allows for maximum boom lowering speed at any engine speed and descent due to gravity. The Load Sensing Hydraulic Pump flow of the new model is capable of 200 litres per minute. The MLT-X 961 also includes an ‘Intelligent Hydraulics’ package for the new ‘Silent Force’ generation combining three new innovations: • Quicklift – allows the operator to extend or retract the telescope and lift the boom simultaneously following a vertical trajectory. This is particularly useful for storage operations; • Bucket shaker – a new function that shakes the bucket with a single movement of the controls by the operator; • Return to load – the machine memorises the exact initial angle and position of the bucket, enabling the machine to automatically return to the start position in loading operations without any adjustment by the operator. As part of the Silent Force package offers only 72dB(A) in the cabin while the telehandler is running. The MLT-X 961 cab also contains a Grammer seat with pneumatic low frequency technology for a smooth ride while driving on rough terrain surfaces, a JSM joystick on floating and adjustable armrest with optional DSB, a SafeView camera pack option with auto activation when FNR is in reverse position and easy step cab access. The MLT-X 961 has 10 centralised greasing points at the front and rear which lessens the amount of times the machine needs to be opened for greasing, a machine location using a connected machine program for remote diagnostics, geo-location and fencing and larger tyres are offered with longer wear life and semi-industrial solutions. n Contact: 02 9517 3174 or visit: www.manitou.com Manitou has launched its new MLT-X 961-145 V+ L Telehandler as part of the ‘Silent Force’ series P38 ACCESS IN ACTION FEBRUARY 2019