Line of Fire (LOF) incidents occur when a worker is in the direct path of a moving object, equipment, or energy source — meaning there’s potential for serious injury or death if that object or energy makes contact. In simple terms, it’s any situation where a person could be struck by, caught between, or caught in something. These incidents are among the top causes of serious injuries and fatalities in construction, oil & gas, and industrial sectors — all highly relevant to safety work in Cameroon.
Three Main Categories of Line of Fire Incidents
1. Struck-By Incidents
Definition: Occur when a person is hit by a moving object or equipment.
Examples: Being hit by a falling tool, swinging load, or moving vehicle.
Cameroon Context Example: On a construction site in Douala, a worker standing under a suspended concrete bucket gets struck when the lifting chain fails. The worker was in the line of fire of the suspended load.
2. Caught-In or Caught-Between Incidents
Definition: Happens when a person is trapped, crushed, or pinched between two objects or pieces of equipment.
Examples: Getting caught between a truck and a wall, or a hand trapped in rotating machinery.
Cameroon Context Example: In a timber processing yard in Yaounde, a worker is caught between a moving forklift and stacked logs while guiding the operator — a classic caught-between line of fire case.
3. Released Energy Incidents
Definition: Involve exposure to stored energy (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal) that is suddenly released.
Examples: Pressurized hose bursts, electrical arcs, or steam leaks.
Cameroon Context Example: At a petroleum depot in Limbe, a maintenance technician disconnects a pressurized hose without proper isolation — the sudden release of pressure sprays hot fluid, causing burns.
Key Prevention Measures
• Maintain a safe distance from moving equipment and suspended loads.
• Always identify line of fire hazards during task risk assessments.
• Implement lockout/tagout (LOTO) for stored energy.
• Use spotters and barriers to control exposure.
• Train workers to “Stop and Think” before entering a danger zone.