Grapple Kills Spotter

Summary

In this safety video, Officer Larry Spooler of WorkSafeBC recounts a tragic accident involving a spotter struck and killed by a grapple yarder's cable due to not being in the clear. The video emphasizes the importance of clear communication and visibility between spotters and yarder operators. It stresses the need for spotters to ensure they are in a safe position before signaling and for operators to confirm spotters' positions before moving the grapple, especially in blind conditions. Employers are urged to develop and train workers on safe work procedures to prevent such fatalities in cable yarding operations.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Safety First: Working around cable yarders requires constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
• 📍 Importance of Being in the Clear: A spotter must always be in the clear, visible and safe position before any yarder operation.
• 🔍 Visibility Issues: The spotter's visibility is crucial for the yarder operator to avoid accidents.
• 🚨 Tragic Incident: A spotter was killed due to being struck by the grapple's cable while not in the clear.
• 🛠️ Yarder Mechanics: Grapple yarders function like giant pincers, with a heavy grapple and a long choker cable for log retrieval.
• ⚠️ High Force Movement: Grapples move with tremendous force, making it imperative for spotters to be out of the danger zone.
• 🗣️ Communication Essential: The spotter acts as the yarder operator's eyes and must communicate effectively for safe operations.
• 📻 Radio Protocol: Before moving the grapple in blind conditions, the yarder operator should radio to confirm the spotter's safe position.
• 📋 Develop Safe Work Procedures: Employers should establish and enforce safe work procedures including communication protocols.
• 👥 Training Crucial: Workers must be trained in these safe work procedures to prevent accidents in cable yarding operations.
• ❗️ Confirmation Over Assumption: Never assume spotters are in the clear; always use the radio to confirm their position before proceeding.

Q & A

What is the role of a spotter in cable yarding operations?

A spotter acts as the yarder operator's eyes, directing the placement of the grapple over logs and ensuring the safety of the operation.

What is a grapple yarder and how does it function?

A grapple yarder is a piece of heavy machinery used for logging that functions like giant pincers, gripping onto logs. It is attached to a cable and can retrieve logs beyond its reach.

What was the estimated weight of the grapple involved in the incident described in the script?

The grapple in the incident was estimated to weigh more than a ton, approximately as much as a car.

What is the purpose of the 30-foot choker cable attached to the grapple?

The 30-foot choker cable is used to secure the logs for retrieval when the grapple yarder extends beyond its normal reach.

What is the 'clear' in the context of yarding operations and why is it important?

Being 'in the clear' means being in a safe and visible position where the yarder operator can see the spotter and the area of operation, which is crucial for preventing accidents.

What was the primary cause of the accident mentioned in the script?

The accident occurred because the spotter was not in the clear and the yarder operator made a blind throw without confirming the spotter's position.

What should a yarder operator do before moving a grapple in blind conditions?

The yarder operator should radio to confirm that the spotter is in a safe position before moving the grapple in blind conditions.

What responsibilities do employers have regarding safe work procedures in cable yarding?

Employers should develop safe work procedures that include communication protocols for moving a grapple and train workers in these procedures to ensure safety.

What is the importance of communication between the yarder operator and the spotter?

Effective communication is vital for coordinating the movement of the grapple and ensuring that both the operator and the spotter are aware of each other's positions and intentions.

What can be inferred as the number one cause of death in cable yarding operations according to the script?

Not being in the clear is the number one cause of death in cable yarding operations, as it leads to accidents where workers are struck by moving equipment.

What steps should a spotter take to ensure their safety during cable yarding operations?

A spotter should make sure they are in the clear and visible to the yarder operator before giving the go-ahead signal and should always communicate their position.