Accident Compensation Corporation - Samoa

15/09/2026

Congratulations Fa’agatamali’i Alosio 👏🎉
Malo tauivi malo fo'i le saili malo !!

14/09/2026

11/09/2026

📢 ACC is re-advertising the Manager Information Technology position. Applications close Friday, 25 September 2026 at 4:00pm. Visit following link to download Application Forms and Packages: https://acc.gov.ws/index.php/about-us/employments/ or call 23100 for details.

02/09/2026

12 Types of Hoists

02/09/2026

🏗️ BEAM CLAMP vs PLATE CLAMP Know the Difference Before You Lift 🦺

🔧 Not every lifting clamp is designed for every lifting application.

In lifting and rigging operations, selecting the correct clamp for the correct load is a critical part of safe material handling. A beam clamp and a plate clamp may look similar, but their design, application, gripping method and permitted use can be different. ⚠️

🔵 BEAM CLAMP — What is it used for?

A beam clamp is generally used on suitable I-beams, H-beams or structural members to provide a lifting/attachment point for compatible lifting equipment.

✅ Check that the clamp is suitable for the beam profile and fl**ge thickness.
✅ Confirm the clamp is correctly positioned and securely locked.
✅ Use only an approved/adjustable type where adjustment is permitted by the manufacturer.
✅ Verify the WLL before lifting.
✅ Keep the load properly aligned and avoid side loading unless specifically permitted.
✅ Use with compatible hoists, chain blocks or lifting equipment as specified by the manufacturer.

🔴 PLATE CLAMP — What is it used for?

Plate clamps are designed for gripping and lifting suitable steel plates, sheets or structural components, subject to the manufacturer's specified application and orientation.

✅ Select the correct clamp for the plate thickness and material.
✅ Ensure the gripping jaws are clean and free from contamination that could affect grip.
✅ Ensure the clamp is correctly seated on the load.
✅ Follow the manufacturer's permitted lifting orientation.
❌ Never use a plate clamp for horizontal pulling, dragging or an application not approved by the manufacturer.

🔍 BEFORE EVERY LIFT — CHECK THESE 10 POINTS

1️⃣ Check the clamp body for cracks, deformation or excessive wear.
2️⃣ Check pins, bolts, locking mechanisms and moving parts.
3️⃣ Inspect the jaw/grip surfaces for damage or abnormal wear.
4️⃣ Verify the WLL / rated capacity is clearly marked and legible.
5️⃣ Confirm the clamp is suitable for the load and material thickness.
6️⃣ Check that the clamp is correctly installed and fully engaged.
7️⃣ Inspect the connected lifting accessories before use.
8️⃣ Make sure the load is balanced and the lifting arrangement is suitable.
9️⃣ Establish an exclusion zone and keep people away from the suspended load. 🚧
🔟 If any defect or doubt is found — STOP, TAG OUT & REPORT. 🛑

⚠️ REMEMBER

RIGHT CLAMP + RIGHT APPLICATION + RIGHT WLL + RIGHT INSPECTION = SAFE LIFT ✅

Never select a lifting clamp simply because it “looks strong.”
Always verify the manufacturer's instructions, markings, rated capacity and approved application before use.

🚫 NEVER:
❌ Exceed the marked WLL
❌ Use damaged or defective clamps
❌ Use clamps without required identification markings
❌ Side-load or shock-load unless specifically permitted
❌ Stand under a suspended load
❌ Use a clamp for an application outside its manufacturer's instructions

02/09/2026

From Near-Miss to Health Risk: Are We Listening to the Early Warning Signs?

A near-miss is not simply an accident that didn’t happen—it can be an early warning signal.

When similar near-misses repeatedly occur around dust, chemicals, heat stress, traffic movement, poor housekeeping, ergonomic strain, fatigue, or inadequate controls, they may reveal patterns of exposure that could eventually lead to injuries, occupational illness, or even impacts beyond the workplace.

The opportunity is to move from reactive safety management to predictive prevention:

· Report every near-miss

· Identify repeated patterns and trends

· Assess exposure and potential health risks

· Strengthen controls before harm occurs

· Protect workers, families and communities

However, near-miss data should not be treated as a standalone prediction tool. Combining it with health surveillance, exposure monitoring, environmental data, absenteeism, fatigue indicators and incident trends can provide much stronger safety and public-health intelligence.

Small signals today can help prevent bigger health problems tomorrow.

Don’t wait for harm to happen. Listen to the near-misses.

,