Hoist Safety – Capstan Picture This

The worker is dangerously close to a spinning capstan hoist drum and is pulling the rope by hand without proper guarding, standoff tools, or protective spacing. This exposes them to severe entanglement and crush hazards. The lack of distance and improper handling technique can result in fingers, hands, or clothing being pulled into the rotating mechanism. Additionally, the worker nearby appears alarmed but is not intervening or reporting the incident.

Never handle a capstan rope by hand near the drum—always use a rope hook or guiding tool to maintain a safe distance. Operators must be properly trained and keep clear of moving parts. Capstan operations should be supervised, and if a hazard is observed, stop work and report it immediately. All workers must be reminded: If it’s unsafe, speak up—don’t stay silent.