Kortemark (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A man in his thirties fell into a silo from a truck at a metal construction company in Kortemark this morning. Emergency services rushed to the scene.
A special fire department rescue team had to be dispatched to the scene to remove him from his dangerous position because the hole he fell into is barely five feet wide. After being hurt, he was brought to the hospital.
The Belgium company, which is situated in Kortemark, produces metal structures and trailers, as well as truck silos for the transportation of commodities like grain or flour. An incident occurred when a man fell into the silo while working.
“The man fell through a 1.5-meter-wide manhole,”
explains Fire Captain David Vanden Eynde.
“He fell about 2 meters and landed awkwardly on his back in the silo. The paramedics who were the first to arrive to give him pain relief asked for our assistance to evacuate the victim.”
That proved to be no easy task, as the man was in considerable pain and had to be carefully helped out of the silo.
“We requested assistance from our zone’s rescue team. These colleagues are specially trained and have equipment to extricate victims from difficult positions. The victim was carefully hoisted into a harness and was able to be brought out after fifteen minutes.”
According to reports, the man’s arms and back were hurt. He was brought to the Torhout hospital. To investigate the situation, the Polder police showed up on the scene. The labor inspectorate was also informed as it was an accident at work.
What measures could be implemented to prevent similar accidents in the future at construction sites?
Ensure workers use appropriate fall protection equipment (e.g., harnesses, safety lines) when working at heights or near openings such as silos.
Install guardrails, barriers, or secure covers around silo openings and truck platforms to prevent accidental falls. Use stable ladders, platforms, or steps with handrails for safe entry and exit to elevated work areas.
Comprehensive Training: Offer regular safety training on fall hazards, silo entry procedures, and emergency response for all staff. Implement and enforce confined space entry procedures, including permits, atmospheric testing, and continuous air monitoring for silos.
