Citation

Hakkinen K, Makelainen J. J. Occup. Accid. 1985; 7(2): 125-137.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1985, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The safety problems associated with lifting hooks are illustrated through analyses of potential and actual accidents. Different modifications of the safety latch were assessed in order to find the optimal solution to prevent load detachment. Several aspects of efficiency and practicability were taken into account.

Fastening tests were conducted at two workplaces with 86 participants, and loading tests were performed in laboratory conditions. The results revealed significant differences between the 14 latch modifications evaluated for both efficiency and practicability. The results were summarized by residual hazard analysis and value matrix.

Even the best hooks require that certain safety rules be followed when they are handled. The most frequently used spring-type latch is easy to use but technically very ineffective. Strengthening and redesigning the structure of the latch provides a solution which has both satisfactory loading performance and reasonable practical usability. Suggestions are given for further research within the area of efficiency and practicability of safety systems.