Post driver operator breaks arm

Scottish Woodlands Health & Safety Toolbox Talk

A post driver operator broke his arm when the hammer, still connected to the post cap/gripper plate, shattered the top of a timber post and trapped his arm between the bottom of the post cap/gripper plate and both the top of the rock spike and the top of the broken timber post.

The operator managed to lift the hammer and post cap off his arm and free himself. He then contacted one of his work team members on his mobile phone, who was working further down the fence line.The work team used the work site Morooka to transport the injured operator to the works vehicle and then drove him to the nearest accident and emergency department. The operator’s arm was set in a protective cast. He is expected to make a full recovery.

What can we learn?

The work team’s emergency response and support arrangements worked well. If elements of your work task require you to work alone, ensure you set up regular contact times with your colleagues.

If you are using the rock spike to create pilot holes, always move it completely clear of your work area before you commence driving a post. Ensure the connection chain is the minimum length to minimise any potential hammer fall while setting the gripper plate into the top of the post.

See below TBT for more details and learning points.