06:50 pm, Monday 30 November, 2009

A man was flown to Melbourne following an accident at a Colac timber factory on Thursday.

The 47 year old man was working at the AKD work site when he was crushed by a timber stacker robot at about 6:30 a.m. He was in serious condition and was believed to have suffered a fractured pelvis.

Paramedics were called to the Forest St, Colac work site at 6:53 a.m.

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said the worker was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital.

A Royal Melbourne Hospital spokeswoman later said the worker was in a stable condition.

Worksafe media spokesman Michael Birt said early reports indicated the worker was pushed against the machine by the timber stacker robot.

WorkSafe is now investigating the incident for possible breach of safework procedures.

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06:49 pm, Monday 30 November, 2009

A Worksafe inspection campaign of manufacturing sites has uncovered some good standards in the field of occupational health and safety management. However, problem areas still persist.

Worksafe spearheaded the campaign over a two-week period starting October 12. Eleven inspectors were tapped to conduct over 90 inspections in theWangara industrial area. They issued a total of 261 improvement notices, four prohibition notices and 49 verbal directions in the course of the campaign.

WorkSafe Director of Manufacturing, Transport and Services Industries, Joe Attard, said the Wangara campaign was significant in that it concentrated on a geographical area rather than a specific industry.

“It targeted manufacturers of food, beverages and tobacco, wood and paper products, non-metallic mineral products, metal products, equipment manufacturing and other types of manufacturing in theWangara area.

“Inspectors visited a large number of workplaces and, although they were well received, enforcement action was required to ensure employers were complying with workplace safety laws.

Mr Attard said some of the areas of concern were forklift safety, electrical safety, working at heights, machine guarding and hazardous substances.

“There were also concerns about the number of workplaces issued notices for not having safe systems of work in place for the isolation and lockout and tagging of machinery and plant during cleaning and maintenance activities,” he said.

“Forklift safety and the safe movement of mobile plant continue to be among the significant issues in manufacturing workplaces, and safe systems of work also need to be in place around these activities.

“Falls from higher levels within workplaces are readily preventable, and it need not be difficult or costly to ensure that suitable edge protection is organised before a tragedy can occur.

“Electrical safety is always a serious concern, and some employers had to be reminded of the requirement for portable RCDs if employees work off-site.

“It is important that employers and employees in the manufacturing sector are aware of the chemicals and other hazardous substances in their workplaces, and they need to have access to information detailing the health effects in the event of exposure.”

Mr Attard considers the campaign a success.

“The Wangara campaign was a very focused and intense period for all WorkSafe inspectors who participated, and the extensive coverage of industry in the area contributed greatly to its success,” he said.

“Like all our proactive campaigns, the aim is to identify risks to the safety and health of workers in the industry and to provide employers with information on how to comply with workplace safety laws, though inspectors will take enforcement action if they find breaches of the laws.”

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06:40 pm, Monday 30 November, 2009

An alarming spike in Victoria’s workplace death toll has prompted a WorkSafe call for December to be fatality free.

Four people died in traumatic workplace incidents in November, preceded by five in October, while many other incidents have left people with life-threatening injuries.

WorkSafe’s Executive Director, John Merritt, said 27 people have died at work this year, the highest figure to the end of November since 2004.

“With just a few weeks before Christmas and the spectre of nine deaths in two months behind us, employers and workers must lift their game and reject the urge to take shortcuts or become complacent.”

A recent WorkSafe survey of 1000 workers confirmed that thousands of workers were at daily risk of injury.

• The greatest identified workplace risks related to injuries related to daily manual handling (60%) being greatest in construction (74%), with farm & forest workers and commercial fishermen close behind (72%). Sixty-nine per cent of retail workers reported manual handling concerns;
• Reported bullying rates rose to 19% in May up from 12% in November 2007;
• 47% of people felt stressed at work ‘often or all the time’ (down from 58% in November 2007);
• 28% of people were exposed to mechanical and powered equipment and machinery on a daily basis;
• Workers in the 18 to 24 age group had the highest rate of sun exposure with 30% saying they were directly exposed to the sun on a daily basis.

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06:38 pm, Monday 30 November, 2009

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) and the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) are reminding installation installers to take the necessary precautionary measures following the death of a teen-aged installer on 18 November 2009.

WHSQ and ESO are currently conducting an inquiry on the incident at StanWell, near RockHampton, which electrocuted two workers, killing one and causing injuries to another.

Initial investigation reveals that the probable cause of the worker’s death was a fault in the electrical installation in the ceiling cavity.

A cable supplying the stove circuit was damaged by a ceiling fixing screw, which caused the supporting metal ceiling batten to conduct electricity at approximately 240 volts.

Insulation installers have been given warning as to the hazards of Installing Ceiling Insulation near electrical equipment like ceiling fans, cables and light fittings. A Publication released by the Department of Justice and Attorney General following a 14 October 2009 incident involving electrocution death details Safety Procedures that must be followed when installing ceiling insulation.

Basic precautions like turning off electricity and wearing adequate personal protection, including footwear and clothing, have been highlighted to ensure safe working arrangements.

The two incidents in a span of over a month has shown that electric shock can lead to death. But short of death, it may still have serious health impact to an electrocuted person. A victim may suffer burns, damage to the nervous system, brain, heart, lungs, and sensory and motor organs. It can throw a person off balance, which may result to fall injuries. An accident suffered by a person working in a roof space may make rescue difficult and delay a much-needed treatment.

WHSQ and ESO have begun conducting Onsite Inspections of insulation installers to ensure that electrical safety and Occupational Health And Safety Systems are in place as mandated by the safety laws.

The audits will focus on ensuring that conductive fastenings are not being used; that onsite risk managements are documented and being followed; and that installers are complying with the Wiring Rules requirements.

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06:38 pm, Monday 30 November, 2009

The Mildura Magistrates Court has convicted and fined a government agency over the tragic drowning of a volunteer while undergoing a training exercise.

Victoria’s State Emergency Service (SES) has entered a guilty plea on Wednesday to one count of failing to ensure a non-employee was not exposed to risk.

On May 19 2007, Ronald Hopkins, 54, was undergoing training as a volunteer for the emergency service organisation. He drowned during a flood boat exercise in the Murray River near the George Chaffey Bridge.

The court fined the SES $75,000 for the breach. The agency was ordered by the court to confdct a thorough and regular review of its workplace safety practices.

Commenting on the ruling, WorkSafe Victoria spokesman Michael Birt said, “It (the conviction) is significant because it recognises that organisations have an obligation to their direct employees, but also to the volunteer members of our community.”

The SES says it has implemented new Safety Procedures and Work Systems following the unfortunate incident.

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06:37 pm, Monday 30 November, 2009

Canningvale TImber Sales Pty Ltd and company director John Marvos were convicted and fined after a worker’s hand was cut off at the company’s sawmill in 2007.

The man was working at the Gippsland company’s Heyfield mill when his hand was severed at the wrist by an unguarded saw.

The timber mill operator was fined $55,000, while the director was fined $15,000.

Worksafe says the prosecution of the Heyfield sawmill serves as a reminder to other operators to improve their work method statements.

WorkSafe’s Manufacturing, Logistics and Agriculture Division director Ross Pilkington said inadequate machine guarding remained a common safety threat in sawmills.

“WorkSafe continues to take a zero-tolerance approach to sawmill safety. This is one of a number of serious incidents from mills which will be before the courts in coming months,” MrPilkington said.

WorkSafe director Michael Birt warned hefty fines should be expected by employers who fail to implement the required safety systems.

“[Our focus is] making sure that machines are properly guarded so that people can’t come into contact with saw blades and moving parts,” Mr Birt  said.

“In this case a man has lost his hand. Unfortunately the better solution would have been for all the work made after the event to have been done beforehand, and that’s a lesson for the whole industry – to fix these problems before someone gets hurt.

“It saves a lot of pain and suffering for everyone.”

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06:32 pm, Monday 30 November, 2009

The Mackay Industrial Magistrates Court has handed Queensland Rail Ltd (QR) a $650,000 fine over a 2007 accident leading to two track workers’ deaths.

QR pleaded guilty before the Court for failing to meet its workplace health and safety obligations.

The fine imposed upon the transport company is the biggest ever under Queensland’s Workplace Health and Safety Act of 2005.

In 7 December 2007, QR employees Jamie Adams and Gary Watkins were struck by a 96-tonne on-track vehicle while working on a coal rail line at Mindi, south west of Mackay in Central Queensland.

The two track workers sustained fatal crush injuries. They later died at the scene.

Investigation conducted by the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland reveals that QR’s Occupational Health and Safety systems were inadequate for managing the separation of workers and plant, particularly when both were within the same section of track between signals.

It was also found that QR knew of the safety system’s inadequacy after a series of safety audits were made. But despite the knowledge, the company failed to act on the matter.

Following the hearing, QR vowed to prioritise “safety above all.”

“We owe it to Jamie and Gary and their loved ones to keep learning from this tragedy so it can never happen again,” QR Services Executive General Manager Lindsay Cooper said.

“Our commitment is crystal clear – safety outranks production every time.”

After the 2007 incident, QR has introduced new rules covering fatigue, the separation of people and machinery and the mandatory use of trained “lookouts” at all worksites.

QR was order by the Court to pay court costs amounting to $130,000 in addition to the $650,000 fine.

The previous highest fine for a corporation was $125,000 back in 2002. Under the 2005 legislation, the highest imposable fine for the breach is $750,000.

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06:38 am, Monday 30 November, 2009

The onset of summer means means a harsher sun and longer days. It also means greater probability of contracting skin cancer, especially to workers who are exposed to the sun for long periods.

As part of its efforts to ensure the health and safety of all workers, the State Government has launched a sun safety at work campaign.It aims to inform construction and utility workers on ways to reduce the risks of sun and heat exposure.

As part of the campaign, WorkCover inspectors will visit Construction Sites, whose workers are most vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun.

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, with more than 380,000 people treated for the disease each year. In light of the figures, NSW Police and Finance Minister Michael Daley says outdoor workers need to understand the importance of abiding by their Occupational Health And Safety Systems.

NSW Police and Finance Minister Michael Daley says businesses can schedule sun safety workshops at their workplaces by contacting WorkCover.

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06:38 pm, Wednesday 25 November, 2009

Nail Guns are great tools, especially for the Construction Industry. However these must be used with great care. Improper handling of nail guns can lead to serious injuries.

In June a 32-year-old carpenter was Working On A Roof in Baldivis when he was struck by a nail in the eye.

He was using a nail gun to put nails into holding down straps when a nail ricocheted and struck his eye.

The incident caused the man loss of sight.

WorkSafe WA has made a list to help reduce accidents during nail gun use. Among WorkSafe’s recommendations are the following:

• Do not attempt to use a nail gun unless you have first received instructions on safe use.
• Wear safety glasses.
• Do not point the tool towards yourself or others.
• Do not use a defective nail gun – ensure all nail guns are regularly maintained.
• Do not use the nail gun in a congested area.

Further information can be obtained from WorkSafe’s internet site at Www.Worksafe.Wa.Gov.Au.

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06:38 pm, Wednesday 25 November, 2009

A Bilburn Transport Company has been fined by the Fremantle Magistrates Court following aVehicle Accident which crushed the legs of a worker.

Holm, trading as Cockburn Transport, has been fined a total of $30,000 for failing to follow properSafework Procedures and for failing to inform WorkSafe WA of the accident.

In April 2007, a mechanic and a company director were working on a trailer attached to a prime mover. The director was washing down the trailer, while the mechanic was under the trailer doing maintenance work.

The prime mover was left idling while the mechanic and his boss went about their task. Neither of the two locked out and tagged the prime mover to ensure it was not operated while maintenance was being carried out.

The director needed to move the truck to finish his task. He reversed the vehicle, unaware that the mechanic was still under the trailer.

The reversing trailer’s wheel crushed the bones in the worker’s feet, ankle and legs.

The company failed to report the injuries suffered by the worker, in violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Regulations.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said the case is a lesson for companies to have a Safety System in place for maintenance works, and to report work-related injuries to the safety watchdog within a reasonable time after their occurrence.

“The failure to provide and maintain a working environment in which employees were not exposed to hazards led in this case to a great amount of suffering for an employee, and I hope this case encourages other employers to have safe systems of work in place at all times,” she said.

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