This week we had a report from one of our clients that they had three incidents involving roll off bins. all three occurred in a single work week.
- Cable Winch Failure
A roll-off bin of impacted soil was being loaded onto a truck when the winch cable failed and separated from the clevis. At the time of failure, the cable was under tension and sprang straight up into the air. The roll-off bin slid off the rails and onto the ground. The driver was in the cab of the truck and other personnel were outside of the exclusion zone. No one was injured.
- Bin Roll-Over
A roll-off bin of scrap metal was being loaded on to a truck when the operator decided to reposition it and set the bin back down to the ground. The bin was originally positioned on a gravel road that is adjacent to a drainage ditch. Upon setting the bin back to the ground, one comer of the bin overhung the ditch causing the bin to tip onto its side. There were no injuries or property damage.
- Bin Strikes Fence
Subcontractor was attempting to drop off a roll-off bin. While two spotters were present and attempting to direct the bin, the vehicle operator disregarded the spotters input and ran the roll off-bin into the fence of a nearby homeowner, causing damage. All work was stopped and notifications made. Subcontractor was asked to depart the site.
Please take a moment to consider your site tasks. Keep these recent incidents in mind when performing your risk-assessments & equipment inspections. Look out for changing conditions and Stop Work, if necessary.