A deputy has stepped into a pumping auger hole while hanging a pump line along the rib. The auger hole was below the surface of the water and was not visible. The hole was about 300 mm in diameter. The deputy’s entire leg went into the hole.
Hazard1: Gravity.
Risk: Harm to people from slips trips and falls.
Recommendations to industry:
- Fixed barricading: signs should be provided to prevent access to unsafe areas such as auger holes in the floor.
- Consider the use of ‘sleeving’ that extends above the maximum water level so the location of the hole is visible.
