ENTREVISTA A PERSONA VÍCTIMA DE ACCIDENTE LABORAL

Summary

Mr. Ramón Guzmán, a supervisor at Sinsa Industrias Nacionales, shares his experience of a workplace accident involving a forklift. He describes how the lack of proper signage and safety protocols led to his injury. After the accident, the company introduced new safety measures, including training sessions and formalized safety procedures, to prevent similar incidents. Guzmán reflects on the lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of safety training, proper equipment, and clear protocols to protect workers. His experience highlights the need for continuous safety improvements and proactive risk management in industrial environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 The accident occurred when Ramón Guzmán was supervising a task, and a forklift ran over his ankle while reversing.
• 😀 The company lacked proper safety signage and measures in the accident area at the time of the incident.
• 😀 After the accident, the company hired safety engineers and implemented new safety protocols to prevent future accidents.
• 😀 Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as steel-toed boots, helmets, and respirators, was used, but safety training was inadequate before the accident.
• 😀 The company now conducts mandatory 5-minute safety talks before tasks and has introduced an ATS (Accident and Task Safety) document to improve safety practices.
• 😀 Mr. Guzmán had 18 years of experience in the company, including 4 years as a supervisor, but was not specifically trained for the task during the accident.
• 😀 The forklift driver did not notice Mr. Guzmán, and the accident was a result of insufficient safety measures in the work area.
• 😀 After the accident, the company took responsibility and provided both private health insurance and coverage for Mr. Guzmán's medical expenses.
• 😀 Mr. Guzmán suffered a significant disability (about 80%) affecting his mobility and physical activities, such as walking and playing soccer.
• 😀 A major lesson from the accident was the need for consistent safety training, clear signage, and preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Q & A

Can you provide a brief description of the company and the accident?

The company is called Sinsa Industrias Nacionales S.A., located in Gambetta. The accident occurred when the speaker, working as a supervisor, was struck by a forklift while attempting to change a product in the production line. The forklift reversed and accidentally ran over his leg.

What was the immediate response of the workers after the accident occurred?

The workers immediately rushed to help. Some grabbed the supervisor's arm to support him, while others called for first aid. The supervisor was then transported via an ambulance and a company van to the nearby San Gabriel Clinic.

What measures could have prevented the accident?

The supervisor admitted that a lack of proper signage, specifically traffic cones, was a major factor in the accident. Had they placed the cones to separate the pedestrian and forklift zones, the accident might have been avoided.

Was the supervisor wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Yes, the supervisor was wearing the required PPE, including steel-toed shoes, a helmet, a respirator, and safety glasses, as mandated for the area of work.

Did the supervisor receive any specific training for the tasks being performed at the time of the accident?

Yes, the supervisor had 18 years of experience at the company, and part of his responsibilities included training other workers. He also conducted short safety briefings (5-minute talks) on the proper use of PPE.

Was there any prior warning or instruction about the risks in the area before the accident?

The supervisor stated that there was no specific warning or training session about the risks in the area before the accident. However, after the incident, the company implemented more safety measures, including hiring safety engineers.

How did the company address safety after the accident?

After the accident, the company introduced more structured safety protocols, including mandatory 5-minute safety talks and the creation of a formal Accident Prevention Plan (ATS). The company also began to hire safety engineers and improve signage.

Did the company have any accident insurance or coverage for the supervisor’s medical expenses?

Yes, the company had both private health insurance and a worker's compensation insurance (CTR), which covered the supervisor’s medical expenses and ensured he continued to receive his salary during his recovery.

What impact did the accident have on the supervisor’s physical condition?

The supervisor now suffers from a significant disability, with about 80% of his mobility affected. He cannot carry heavy loads or walk long distances, and his ability to engage in activities like football has been limited.

What safety improvements has the company made since the accident?

Since the accident, the company has introduced better signage, implemented mandatory safety briefings, and ensured the use of safety cones to prevent pedestrian and forklift traffic from mixing. The company also began holding regular training and briefings for workers on safety and hazard awareness.