|
|
Loss Lessons
|
IT'S JUST A BACKPACK SPRAYER
|
| |
PestSure Members,
We are seeing more injuries related to back pack sprayer use.
In a recent claim, a technician slipped and fell forward while
coming down some deck steps wearing a back pack sprayer that
was almost full. The added weight of the back pack and its
contents contributed to the initial cause of the fall as well
as to the severity of the technicians injuries to his mid
and low back.
Backpack sprayers can vary greatly in total weight depending
on the backpack model and amount of product contained therein.
This is just one of the items for discussion when issuing
a backpack to an employee. In this PestSure workers' compensation
claim, the technician did not anticipate the effect the backpack
would have on his balance and center of gravity as he navigated
his way back down a staircase. The training he received on
the backpack sprayer did not include such things as proper
body mechanics, sprayer fill level, harness adjustment, and
total weight of the equipment as it relates to body weight.
A sprayer filled with liquid can represent a significant amount
of weight. Before issuing a backpack sprayer to a technician,
there are several training points that need to be addressed.
While this equipment seems somewhat harmless, we are seeing
significant injuries to our people like this back injury that
is expected to total almost $300,000 in medical, lost time,
and rehabilitation.
Lesson:
Be certain your training includes but is not limited to:
- Sprayer assembly
- Harness adjustment to suit body size
- Sprayer inspection and proper operation
- How to properly put the backpack on and take it
off
- Equipment weight capacities vs. body weight and
employee carrying capacity
- Ergonomics; slips, trips & falls, bending
& lifting, do's & do not's
- Protective clothing in case of leaks and to reduce
chafing on your skin from the harness
Please discuss this loss with your team. Take this opportunity
to hold an employee training session on backpack sprayer use.
Review the product manual for information and conduct "hands-on"
demonstrations on all aspects of use. Your equipment vendor
can be a good source of information and training for this
equipment.
Linda Midyett
Area Manager
Safety and Loss Prevention, PestSure
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.
14241 Dallas Parkway, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75254
972.663.6199
800.326.6203 |
| |
| |
|
