10:23 am, Monday 18 February, 2013

Photo: SafetyCulture Library

A crane driver died after falling from 10 storeys at a construction site in Melbourne’s CBD Monday morning.

According to initial reports, the man fell at the construction site on the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth streets just before 7:40am.

All workers have stopped work today to give way to investigations.

A union spokeswoman said a meeting will be held on site at 1pm today.

Police and emergency services are at the scene. WorkSafe investigators are also onsite and are making further inquiries.

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04:05 pm, Thursday 3 January, 2013

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Ambulance workers abandoned their post and worked somewhere else due to safety concerns.

According to The Australian, 19 paramedics and one clinic transport officer decided to leave their post in Sunshine and work from nearby St Albans until their concerns were addressed.

A meeting with WorkSafe over health and safety issues was conducted last week.

Ambulance Employees Australia Victoria general secretary Steve McGhie said a report released 12 months ago discovered the 35-year-old building where the ambulance branch is situated should already be demolished. It revealed issues with asbestos and foundations as well as rest facilities for ambulance workers working long shifts.

There were also security concerns as some paramedics are confronted by burglars on Boxing Day.

Mr McGhie said these issues were already brought to Ambulance Victoria’s attention which agreed that major works are important but had required Victorian government funding.

A spokeswoman for Ambulance Victoria said that everyone present during the meeting agree to establish further safety measures.

The Australian further reported that higher fences had already been implemented at the site. Paramedics were also offered rest accommodation or taxi vouchers.

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05:04 pm, Tuesday 11 September, 2012

A bullying case wherein a young worker was set on fire by a co-worker points to serious workplace health and safety system deficiencies, says legal experts.

Prominent anti-bullying lawyer Moira Rayner is pushing for the establishment of a national tribunal to allow civil claims. In an interview with ABC News, she said that bullying laws in Australia is unsatisfactory because it does not give the victim a personal right of redress.

“I have always regarded bullying as a failure by management and all our bullying laws is unsatisfactory because they don’t give the individual a personal right of redress,” she said. “If they make a WorkCover claim or a WorkSafe claim and it doesn’t end up because of technicalities in addressing their problems, then the person who’s been bullied, victimised and psychologically of not physically harmed may well have on top of that a sense of grave injustice.”

She also said the case of the young worker set on fire by a bully co-worker is not isolated and that WorkSafe could and should have done more.

“When someone could’ve been killed in a classic apprentice-playing-with-fire incident, there should’ve been an immediate and effective intervention in the workplace so the employer, the employees and the apprentices got the message very loud and clear that this could’ve ended up in a manslaughter charge.”

According to ABC News, the autistic victim started work in early January at a farm machinery dealership in Shepparton as a diesel mechanic when a co-worker squirted him with highly flammable cleansing solvents and was set on fire. As a result, he suffered burns to his legs and was brought to the hospital.

The apprentice who set him on fire retained his job after pleading guilty to assault in Shepparton Magistrates Court in August. He was given a 12-month good behaviour bond and a fine of $500.

WorkSafe, which investigated the incident, decided not to take any action because of the police charges.

The victim’s family plans to lodge a victims-of-crime complaint with the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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10:55 pm, Tuesday 4 September, 2012

Police are investigating the death of a bakery worker inside a bakery in Ferntree Gully early morning on Sunday.

ABC News reported that the worker was found dead inside the bakery. His co-worker was found unconscious beside him.

Police are investigating whether generator fumes may have caused the incident.

Gavin Wright of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) issued a warning on the potential dangers of generators.

“Generators and other similar equipment with carbon monoxide emitting engines must be kept outside in the open air where they can be vented,” said Mr Wright.

“You cannot use this type of equipment or these kinds of engines in an enclosed space because the fumes have nowhere to go and the air inside that room will become very dangerous.

“The two gentlemen may have been sleeping out the back and while they slept they’ve been overcome by carbon monoxide.”

WorkSafe is also conducting an investigation over the incident.

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12:44 pm, Thursday 12 July, 2012

A worker from Geelong is expected to provide evidence today during a Federal Government inquiry into workplace bullying and will appeal for mandatory reporting to WorkSafe.

Geelong Advertiser reported how the victim was bullied for 18 months at a Geelong business.

“It came as a real shock to me, I had a long work experience and didn’t think anything could get to me, but it knocked me for six,” said the worker.

“I was always confident of my work quality and had other management saying what a good job I was doing but it was generally affecting my health and self-confidence.

“I spoke to HR and management several times and it didn’t get addressed and finally we parted ways.

“I spoke to WorkSafe and Fair Work Australia after but their powers did not extend far enough (to act). No one had the power to do anything so I thought I needed to give them the power.”

The worker is hoping that his efforts would result to significant changes into workplace bullying policies.

“Government contractors should be required to have specific bullying policies and compliance before (getting the job) and WorkSafe should treat (allegations of bullying) the same as an accident or a near miss.”

He has also started a website to create awareness on workplace bullying and to convince workers and businesses to support his petition against workplace bullying.

An inquiry will be conducted by the Standing Committee on Education and Employment on the nature, causes and extent of workplace bullying and will also consider suggestions to address it. The Productivity Commission estimates that workplace bullying costs Australia up to $36 billion every year.

WorkSafe spokesman, Michael Birt says allegations of workplace injuries could be logged into their register of injuries. Guidelines and other information on workplace bullying can be accessed through the WorkSafe Victoria website. 

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12:30 pm, Thursday 14 June, 2012

WorkSafe Victoria is investigating the death of a worker on Wednesday, who fell from the roof of a factory being renovated at Oakleigh South.

The victim was found by his workmates around 9am yesterday.

Initial investigations conducted by WorkSafe indicated that the worker may have fallen up to 5m on to the floor of the building. This incident was the State’s seventh work-related death this year and the 24^th since this time last year.

WorkSafe’s General Manager for Operations, Lisa Sturzenegger, said that working at height was a major source of serious workplace injuries and fatalities.

“This is a tragedy for the man, his family and workmates. It should send a message to the entire community – employers and workers alike – that high safety standards must be in place, and applied, at all times.

“The right equipment and training, as well as supervision, risk assessment and equipment maintenance are fundamental parts of having a safe workplace.

“As we’ve said in a new safety campaign launched this week, the overwhelming majority of incidents can be prevented.

“It takes a little time and thought to put safe practices in place, but an ongoing effort is needed to ensure they’re consistently maintained.

“The human effects are obvious, but it also costs the community an enormous amount in compensation, treatment and rehabilitation which is ultimately reflected in the costs of goods and services.

More information on preventing workplace injuries can be accessed through the WorkSafe Victoria website.

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08:06 pm, Tuesday 15 May, 2012

Two companies were fined $140,000 over the deaths of two workers during an explosion in Broome in 2008.

The company which runs the Broome depot was fined $80,000 while the transport company fined with $60,000 over the death of these workers.They were also charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment which caused the death of the two workers.

According to The West Australian, the victims, both 51 years old, were killed in December 2008 when a tanker they were standing next to exploded.

In a statement, WorkSafe said the two workers collected two tanker loads of the powder from the depot and delivered it to the wharf in Broome where it was to be transferred to a supply vessel. One of the victims was accompanying the tankers in a car towing a compressor at the time of the accident.

“It was alleged that the transfer of the barite to the vessel could not be completed at the wharf because the powder contained too much moisture, causing it to clog inside the tanker,” said WorkSafe.

While one of the tankers was successfully unloaded, it was alleged that the second tanker was de-pressurised while the inside was manually scraped down and re-pressurised to remove the powder. However, during the final occasion, the tanker exploded and killed the two victims.

“The court was told that the tanker was not maintained in a safe working condition and that it had not been registered with WorkSafe or inspected by a competent person in many years.

“Safety procedures and adequate training had also been neglected, in all probability contributing to the loss of life that occurred that day.

“But the real tragedy is that there were safe systems of work available to both employers that could have prevented these deaths,” said Mr McCulloch.

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12:33 pm, Wednesday 9 May, 2012

A scaffolding company has been fined $22,000 over an incident in which a worker was injured when he fell through an insufficiently protected void on a construction site.

The company pleaded guilty to failing to provide a safe work environment causing serious injuries to the worker. The scaffolding company was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court on Friday.

Investigations revealed that there was a void in the first floor of the central unit. Scaffolding was erected inside, but not the entire void. The remainder of the void was only covered by particleboard not supported by scaffolding.

Thinking that it was supported by scaffolding, the victim stepped into the particleboard. It gave way under his weight and he fell 2.7 metres to the ground floor concrete slab. The victim sustained fractures to his skull, ribs, spine and shoulder.

The void was quickly covered with planks after the incident. The same hazard was discovered in two other units, and these voids were also covered with planks.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Les McCulloch on Tuesday said that the case should be a reminder of the importance of taking measures to prevent falls.

“Falls are almost always readily preventable, and it need not be difficult or costly to ensure that safe systems of work are in place at all times,” said Mr McCulloch.

“This employer failed to ensure that the voids in the workplace were adequately protected to prevent a fall of a substantial distance, contrary to workplace safety laws.

“Falls are one of the most significant causes of workplace deaths in the construction industry, and 16 Western Australian workers have died as a result of falls in the last four years.

“In this case, the fall – and the suffering of the worker – could have been avoided simply by ensuring that a more effective method of covering the void was used.

“Subsequent to this incident, the employer covered the voids in all three of the units under construction with planks, but this could just as easily have been done from the outset.

“It was unfortunately too late for the worker who fell and suffered serious injuries.

“A Code of Practice on fall prevention has existed in WA for more than 20 years. The current code is comprehensive, providing information on the identification of common fall hazards and the correct use of fall arrest and prevention equipment.

“I urge any employer in control of a workplace that presents a risk of falls to ensure this code is available in the workplace at all times.”

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12:50 pm, Monday 7 May, 2012

An injured truck driver calls on employers to focus on a worker’s skills and experience instead of their injury.

Stephen Morgan is calling on businesses to consider other employment options after he was employed through a WorkSafe program that matches vacancies with workers who are not able to return to their old jobs after suffering an injury.

The 45-year-old man from Teesdale said that despite having undergone back surgery years before to treat his injury, his days of manually unloading goods were over.

“It was a frustrating feeling knowing I had the skills to do the job but had limitations on my physical capability,” said Mr Morgan.

“Not working started to affect my wellbeing; I just wanted to get back into it. The reality is there are a lot of people out there, like me, who want the same.”

Luckily, Mr Morgan was eligible to be registered with WISE – a WorkSafe Incentive Scheme for Employers that encourages businesses to hire injured workers who cannot return to their original job. Employers who provide ongoing employment are paid up to $26,000 over a year.

Pineville Enterprises discovered WISE through Mr Morgan after he called them to enquire about a truck driver job vacancy they advertised through a local paper.

“I wasn’t quite sure how they were going to react after I told them about my situation and about the WISE program but to my surprise, I was asked to come in for a job interview and they made a decision to sign up,” said Mr Morgan.

Since the role didn’t require him to manually unload goods, he was considered a suitable match and was hired in July 2010, four months after his injury.

“There is a perception out there that there are risks involved with hiring someone who has been injured, which makes it hard for us to get back into the workforce,” Mr Morgan said.

“Fortunately, Pineville were able to look beyond the injury and offer me an opportunity to work with them.

“They recognised my existing skills could add value to their company and while dealing with the injury is an ongoing process, it’s great to work for a company that continue to be supportive and understanding.

For me, it was great to get back to work because I could get back to doing what I enjoy while continuing to support my family.”

Stephen’s employer, Brett Ormesher encouraged other employers to consider hiring injured workers.

“There’s a pool of qualified and skilled workers out there who, for various reasons, cannot return to their old jobs but are more eager than ever to get back into the workforce,” said Mr Ormesher.

“Stephen has been a great addition to the team and he is still working for us. You have more time to get other things done and focus on business operations.”

Signing up was easy and it’s a good feeling knowing we were able to help Stephen out along the way. It’s worked out very well for everyone involved.”

WorkSafe’s Return to Work Division Director Ross Jones encouraged employers to support WISE.

“It provides employers with a financial boost up to $26,000 and injury insurance protection for workers if they suffer a new injury for the first 12 months of employment,” said Mr Jones.

“On top of that, if there is a recurrence with the existing injury, all costs and any premium rest with the previous employer.”

Most of the 29,000 workers injured at work in Victoria each year return to their old jobs quickly, but some cannot go back to their old job or employer.

“The WISE program can help match jobs with people who are skilled, experienced and keen to work.”

“We want companies which have a vacancy to consider WISE and for treatment providers, occupational rehabilitation providers and injured workers to discuss the program as an option.”

“As Stephen’s story pointed out, the end result can be rewarding for all involved.”

More information about the WISE program can be found at the WorkSafe website.

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06:55 pm, Tuesday 1 May, 2012

A figure released by the education department revealed that up to 1200 out of the state’s 1539 government schools may contain asbestos. Teachers, unions and parents have called out to authorities to establish a program to label areas affected with asbestos material, train staff to manage it, and progressively remove it from the school buildings. The action came after a number of safety breaches, including WorkSafe fines against the department for its failure to deal with asbestos properly.

The Age reports that contractors working at Geelong High School drilled a hole through a wall containing asbestos last year, just two years after the department received a $10,000 fine for a similar incident. Education Minister Martin Dixon denied widespread removal, saying there is only a risk to students once asbestos is disturbed.

“Where there is an identified risk to the health and wellbeing of students and teachers removal will be undertaken as a matter of the highest priority,” said Mr Dixon.

Over the past three years, asbestos-related issues have already taken place in schools. In 2010, around 30 pieces of asbestos were found at Albion North Primary School. WorkSafe issued safety improvement notices against the builder. In 2009, a parent of a student from Elsternwick Primary School called on WorkSafe after his daughter picked up asbestos. A campus of Essendon Keilor District College was closed for a day after a storm caused extensive damage and raised concerns on asbestos exposure.

Schools in Victoria are required to establish their own asbestos management plans, in which they should be able to identify its location and how to manage it. The department also conducts regular audits of schools with asbestos.

While asbestos risks are relatively lesser when affected areas are untouched, asbestos fibres that become airborne can cause lung cancer and other serious diseases. However, teachers as well as union officials want it removed from schools altogether.

“Because asbestos was banned (in 2003) many people think the problem has gone away, but it hasn’t,” said Australian Education Union vice-president Carolyn Clancy. “It’s a ticking time bomb.”

Justin Harris, health and safety representative of Geelong High School also believes that asbestos should be removed in schools. “The government basically just says to schools, ‘Well you’ve got a budget – you manage it.’ For schools that’s a huge problem because we have limited budget and people aren’t trained to manage asbestos.”

Asbestos has been on the spotlight nationally, as Prime Minister Julia Gillard awaits the findings of a review on the way asbestos is being managed.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union national secretary Paul Bastian, who is part of the review panel, said that a national audit of all public buildings to identify asbestos location should be conducted. A national program to have asbestos removed completely by 2030 should also be in place.

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