A Near Miss
Part of our falsework system incorporates 7No, 21tn, 30m trusses. These are assemble on the ground and lifted into place.
On Tuesday one of these trusses fell over during construction and landed at the feet of one of the lads. The panel that fell weighs 380kg. This is the sixth truss built on site, no previous concerns had been raised.
The highlighted panel was vertical. Bottom cords 1 & 2 are in the correct position, 3 has rotated with the panel. This panel had no lateral bracing.
The cross bracing has pulled out of it’s alignment. NB, this was not bolted as the cords are left free to creep through construction. The construction method was instructed by the supplier.
The revised construction method includes ‘tube and fit’ bracing.
The bracing is also tied back to the hand rail which has been increase to deal with greater loads.
Installation of these trusses sits on the crit path so no time was wasted in assessing, reviewing and modifying the construction. This process was thorough and the new mitigations seem to be appropriate and full proof with regards to a repeat of this situation.
A happy truss!!!
A link for the E&Ms (Fran, you should suggest this for your hospital!!!)
Holdfast Training Services Trial Blog 
Looks good Ollie. Sensible piece of temporary works to build temporary works! Must come and visit you when I get a gap in teaching.
Temporary works is the name of the game here. This method of construction means that the permanent works account for a tiny portion of what I/we actually do.
The response to this near miss was really pleasing to see. It’s all too easy to be critical but given the importance of the installation of those trusses and the complete overhaul of project team (which has lead to a complete cultural change) the way this was dealt with was really proactive.
I’m not around much longer but you’re welcome when ever…