Unblocking stone crusher while it is still running – Near Miss

Scottish Woodlands Health & Safety Bulletin

The stone crusher sub-contractor operator was seen by the Forestry Works Manager leaning over the access platform and attempting to manually unblock the crusher with a pole, while the crusher was still running.
The operator was stopped from working, the incident was reported to the main contractor. The sub-contract was terminated, and the stone crusher was removed from site on the same day.
The operator was not wearing the Operators Manual recommended PPE for the task, or basic operational worksite PPE.

There have been a number of fatalities to crusher operators while standing above the crusher cavity while it is running, due to material being ejected from the crusher infeed chamber.
The sudden release of pressure as a blockage is cleared, is more likely to result in material being ejected.