A South Australian steel pipe manufacturing business has been convicted and fined $39,000 over an incident in which a worker’s foot was run over by a forklift.
In October 2015, the worker was acting as a spotter while helping a forklift operator to move a steel pipe, when the incident occurred.
Following an investigation by SafeWork SA, the manufacturing business was charged with offences under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, for failing to provide and maintain a safe system of work, or a written safe work procedure for transporting the pipes. SafeWork SA alleged that in failing to comply with its health and safety duty, the company had exposed its worker to a risk of death or serious injury.
SafeWork SA’s Acting Executive Director, Dini Soulio, said in a statement, that case highlighted the need for business operators to identify foreseeable risks to health and safety, and to implement and communicate control measures – including appropriate use of exclusion zones – to eliminate or minimise risks.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU REVIEWED YOUR SAFETY?
While this manufacturing business had various safety systems in place prior the the accident, SafeWork SA and the Industrial Magistrates Court found there were deficiencies in its procedures.
WLSS assist business with identifying risks and control measures, especially surrounding mobile plant and equipment. We can assist by:
- Undertaking Risk Assessments of work sites, plant and equipment, or work processes
- Suggesting and assisting with Control Measures to eliminate or reduce risks to workers or others
- Developing written Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs), or similar, for work processes, plant or equipment
If you need help, or further information, visit our website or call us on (08) 8322 2279.
