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Stop, Look and Move Out of the Line of Fire

WORKPLACE SAFETY T201204-01©2012 Bongarde

• Hear about people• “In the wrong place at the

wrong time”• People who have been

victims of crime• Applies to workers as well

WHAT’S AT STAKE

• In the workplace• Wrong place at the wrong time• Being in the line of fire• Injured or killed by your own

actions• Actions of another worker or

even a stranger

WHAT’S THE DANGER

• Simplest example of a line of fire• Holding a nail to get it started• More serious examples:

• Spinning saw blade – hand is resting in the wrong place

• Standing too close to a truck – crushed by unstable pipes

EXAMPLE

More serious examples:• Mobile machinery operator’s blind spot –

caught between moving vehicle and a wall

• Caught under an elevated load – lets loose when a sling breaks

• Too close to a crane or excavator – contacts a high voltage power line

EXAMPLE

• Before starting a job• Look around for any potential

hazards• What could possibly go wrong• What could happen to you• Hit by welding sparks?• Operating a forklift too quickly?

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

• Standing below an elevated area?

• Knock a heavy object off• Standing in the way of a

closed door• Knocked off ladders• Prop the door open• Post a warning sign

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Other line of fire hazards:• Standing too close• Worker who is wielding a tool• Sledge hammer or a large wrench• Head could fly off• Wrench could slip off• Don’t stand in its path

HOW TO PROTECTYOURSELF

Other line of fire hazards:• Standing too close to materials secured by steel bands• Under tremendous pressure• One of these bands is cut• Whip around and inflict serious injury• Padded clothing, a hardhat, safety shoes

and safety glasses• Cut the one farthest away first• Stand well back while releasing straps

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Other line of fire hazards:• Working on machinery• Energy sources have been safely shut down• Hazardous energy sources:

• Electricity• Hydraulic• Pneumatic• Mechanical (spring)• Chemical and thermal• Gravity

• Locked and tagged out by an authorized person

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Final Word

A busy workplace is no place to daydream.

Stay aware of your surroundings, think of how you might be in the line of fire

and step away from the danger.