Risk Management Magazine

In a rush to get the bump aircraft run up, the PC passed in front of the weapon the door gunner was carrying and arrived at the aircraft an instant before the door gunner placed the weapon on the ground. Then, the inevitable happened. As the 240H was placed on the ground, it discharged.

Eventually, all the recovery equipment was expended, but vehicles continued to fail. As a result, the return road march lasted four hours longer than planned. Fortunately, no lives were lost and injuries were limited to smashed fingers and minor cuts.

When deciding if PPE is required, management must first complete a workplace assessment to determine whether hazards exist that require the use of PPE and provide a written certification that identifies the hazards within the workplace. After determining that a hazard exists, controlling it at its source is the best way to protect employees.