Near Miss – Or Sure Thing?

It was a classic example of a near miss that – had the clock been running seconds differently – someone would have very likely been hurt or killed. I’m sure you’ve seen plenty. 
 
In this case, utility workers were removing and replacing a street light, pole included. Simple job, but one involving a crane, a basket lift, and oncoming traffic. 
 
As to who was in harms way, I suspect your first guess would be a worker on the ground – or up in that basket lift – subject to the hazards of oncoming traffic and working at height. Both of which are guaranteed, and the former being the reason the pole needed replacing in the first place. 
 
A second guess might be pedestrians, and that oncoming traffic. 
 
That being the case, you’d imagine there would be workers on the ground, well informed of the hazards in play, directing traffic to ensure the safety of the crew. And those passing by – as well as themselves. 
 
As to what really happened, the support arm attaching the light to the pole had been used as the lift point, it broke off and was subsequently shot up into the air, then came down – like a dagger – striking the concrete within feet of both the flag man and an oncoming vehicle. Neither of which had seen it coming. 
 
Debris cleared, the job – and the traffic – carried on. 
 
To those on the scene this may have seemed a near non-event, and certainly one not bothering the boss about. No one was hurt, and perhaps a lesson or two learned. 
 
But were this your crew, I suspect you’d have serious concerns. The most concerning of all – aside that someone could have been killed – would be not finding out about a near miss like this. And the missed opportunity to ensure work is done differently, and better. 
 
Were this your crew – doing the type of work they do – is it a sure thing that something like this would be reported to you? If it isn’t a sure thing, what might you do to change that? 


Balmert Consulting
May 2024