Safety Alert No.

036
Fell Down Chain Block (Near Miss)
Site Name: Chiyoda Construction Site in Japan
Date & Time of Incident: 9:40 Hrs. 5th November 2009
Location of Incident: Construction Site
Type of Job: Lifting of the pipe spool
Type of Incident: Near Miss

Description:
The worker was alone shifting a short pipe spool (6” x 500L, weight approx. 20kg) to the 2nd scaffold
platform from the 2nd floor when he was using the chain block hung from overhead horizontal scaffold pipe by
a webbing sling.

The suspended short pipe spool and the chain block fell down 9m together on the ground due to
uncompleted hooking of the top hook and the webbing sling (No closed fastener). The lifted pipe spool fell
down when it swung to the outside of the hand-rail of 2nd floor. No injured persons.

Webbing sling for lifting

3rd scaffold platform

Not in normal-function
the fastener
2nd scaffold platform
(Locking Device)

Causal Factor

The worker didn’t check and confirm the top hook, if it is in safe position.
The top hook had no close fastener (Locking Device).
The worker worked alone.

Corrective Actions

As of Near Miss Report:

①Check all chain block at site that the hook fastener must be closed and secured enough hooking with
sling wire rope or webbing sling before re-start of work.

②All lifting job using chain blocks must be checked the top hook of the chain block hooking figure to the
wire eyes or webbing sling, if the fastener completely close.

As comments of the Chiyoda HSE Management Office:

③Supervisors and Foremen receive the training to make everyone well known the Method Statements
and results of Risk Assessments on TBT, KYK and Stand down Meeting etc.

Especially about the lifting job used chain blocks

1) Check the hooks fastener effectiveness always.
2) Confirm the suitability of sling wire eye size and hook size of chain block.
3) Confirm the function of hook fastener and safety measures for their job area before start of lifting.