16.09.2016
A Grand death wish
A reader in the UK spotted unsafe work practices during preparation for filming of the new Amazon TV show, The Grand Tour, staring ex Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England.
The filming took place close to Clarkson’s new home which he decided to demolish with explosives, at around the same time. The photos show the reckless use of a telehandler to lift both people and suspended loads.
In one example the telehandler is lifting a tent frame with some fairly ragged looking slings hooked over the forks, rather than using a proper lifting attachment and slings.
Please register to see all images
Lifting a suspended load with slings over the forks
In another example a man is stood on and open steel stillage on the forks at a height of around seven metres or so. With nothing to stop him falling should the machine move suddenly.
When the three were doing Top gear they would whinge about the health & safety attitude of the BBC being oppressive. If these examples are anything to go by they need not worry on this front with the new programme. However in the meantime it is entirely possible that someone will get hurt just setting up the shoot!
Please register to see all images
Standing on the forks to erect the tent
While the load being lifted is very light, the combination of working practices suggest that that a little basic training is required. Definitely one to add to our Death Wish series. Have a safe weekend.
The CPA have worked long and hard with all sectors on the improvement of working with telescopic handlers. Excellent best practice guides have been produced as an aid to managers, supervisors, and operatives. It has been a great privilege to be part of the working group that produced the guides though it irks me that employers are still getting away with malpractice such as on this C&A item. We are losing the battle. The HSE need to step up to the plate before we have a fatality. The operator and the guy on the pallet need their certificates of competence, (if indeed they have any), forensically checked and the employer, supervisors, testers, trainers or NVQ assessors investigated. Much more needs to be done regarding the behavioral trends of plant operators.
Please tell me that's Jeremy Clarkson up there...Please tell me that's Jeremy Clarkson up there...Please tell me that's Jeremy Clarkson up there...