Unsafe excavation work at construction site leads to fine

A construction company has been ordered to pay over £16,000 for unsafe excavation work at a construction site.

The facts

The excavation, made to connect a home to a sewer, went down three metres deep into totally unsupported soft clay. The company had failed to adequately plan the excavation and workers were put in danger by unsupported sidewalls that could have collapsed. A witness notified HSE and explained that they had seen someone climbing from the excavation, as well as tools and equipment at the bottom. Although the excavation did not collapse and there were no injuries, workers could have been killed if the clay sidewalls gave way.

Excavation safety

Every year, workers are seriously injured or killed while working in excavations. The risks in excavation work include:
- Being buried in a collapsed excavation
- Material falling into the excavation
- People or plant falling into the excavation

An employer's legal responsibilities

An employer must prevent danger to workers in or near excavations. A competent person should inspect all excavation supports at the commencement of the work shift and at other times. Work should not start until the excavation is safe.

Vocam confined space safety videos

Confined Space Safety Essentials
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Hazardous Chemicals - GHS Classification & Communication
Atmosphere Testing Confined Space

Safety-TV E-learning courses

Confined Space Safety Essentials - e-Learning
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety - e-Learning
Hazardous Chemicals: GHS Classification and Communication- e-Learning
Atmosphere Testing Confined Space - e-Learning

Source: The Health and Safety Executive

Electrical safety hazards lead to $65,000 fine for construction contracting company

A construction and services contracting company was fined $65,000 and ordered to pay nearly $8000 in costs following an incident in which a street light came too close to high-voltage power lines.

The company was contracted to install two assembled streetlights. A crane was hoisting one of the streetlights into place, and the operator believed the power line was not in service. However the power line was live and the streetlight swung too close, causing a flashover.

The electricity travelled through the streetlight and the crane before entering the earth, causing one of the crane’s tyres to blow out. The incident caused damage to pipework. Fortunately there were no injuries, however there was a high potential for serious injury or death from electrocution or explosion.

The company had failed to perform an adequate pre-job onsite inspection, and they did not test the line before starting work or adhere to safe working distances. The company pleaded guilty to failing to provide a safe workplace.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said: “Working in the vicinity of power lines is extremely hazardous, and it is vital that every possible measure is taken to ensure the safety of the job, especially in ensuring that everyone on the site is fully briefed on the issues.”

For more information on this workplace safety news, visit: Department of Commerce - WA

Vocam Training Videos
Electrical Safety Essentials
Leadership : Being Proactive in Safety
Safety Awareness

E-learning Courses
Electrical Safety Essentials - E-Learning
Leadership: Being Proactive in Safety - E-Learning
Safety Awareness - E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Workers injured in wall collapse at building site

Two men in their twenties were hospitalised last week, after a wall collapsed onto them at a building site.

The men were working to smooth off concrete on the wall when a rock supported by the wall collapsed. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade attended the accident and had to winch one of the men out of the rubble using a crane. One of the workers suffered an injured hip, while the other worker suffered an injured wrist.

WorkSafe Victoria issued a prohibition notice on the site, preventing any further work until an engineer assessed the site.

Vocam Training Videos
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction Safety Essentials
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks

E-learning Courses
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety - E-Learning
Safety Awareness- E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: The Age

Worker killed after being crushed by one-tonne steel beam

A 32-year-old man has died after being crushed by a one-tonne steel beam at a tip.

The man was pile driving at the site of the tip's new waste transfer station. He left an excavator to direct a steel beam into a hole.

"The beam has started to swing uncontrollably in the air, it's hit him on the head as it has swung around. It has then actually come away from the excavator and rolled onto his chest” Inspector Glen Woolley said.

Other workers tried to administer first aid but the man died a short time later in hospital. Unions Tasmania says the death can only be described as an absolute tragedy.

"We've been to meet representatives of the minister and Workplace Standards Tasmania on numerous occasions, voicing concerns about health and safety in the construction industry” Spokesman Kevin Harkins said.

Vocam Training Video
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks

E-learning Course
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-learning
Safety Awareness - E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: ABC News

Crushing fatality leads to $250,000 fine

A construction company working on upgrades to a highway has been fined $250,000 after one of its workers was crushed to death by a roller.

The 31-year-old labourer was on his second day on the job on a road upgrade project. He was helping to lay asphalt when a three-tonne multi-wheeled roller ran over him.

The worker was spraying the stationary roller when the operator accidentally released the brakes, causing the vehicle to lurch forward and roll over him.

A WorkCover investigation subsequently found the company failed to properly train or supervise the man.

NSW Finance Minister Greg Pearce says the fine is a reminder to maintain safety protocols.

"This tragedy could have been avoided had there been the right instruction and the vehicle properly maintained," He said in a statement.

Vocam Training Videos
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Safety Awareness

E-learning Courses
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety - E-Learning
Safety Awareness - E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1727634/Company-fined-after-worker-fatally-crushed

2 construction companies cited after 1 worker died, another injured

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited 2 construction companies with a total of 10 safety citations after a truck driver was killed and another worker was seriously injured.

The incident occurred when a crane collapsed at a bridge construction site. A truck driver died when he was struck by the boom of a crane that overturned while bridge girders were being erected with a multiple crane lift.

An employee who was operating the crane was seriously injured when he was thrown from the cab as the crane fell. Proposed penalties for the employing company total $105,000.

The other company was contracted to provide manpower for erecting the girders and faces penalties of $13,220.

"Employers have a responsibility to take all necessary steps to eliminate hazards from the workplace and to ensure that workers are given the proper training to conduct required tasks, such as operating cranes and performing multiple crane lifts," said Nick Walters, OSHA's regional administrator in Chicago.

Vocam Training Videos
Construction Safety Essentials
Safety Awareness

E-learning Courses
Safety Awareness – E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: OSHA

192 Australian workplace deaths in 2012

As at December 31, 192 Australian workers were killed at work in 2012 according to the latest data gathered by Safe Work Australia. During the same period in 2011, 166 deaths had occurred.

Safe Work Australia records cases of work fatality and injury, updates statistics and prepares several reports. The data is an initial estimate for the number of people killed and is based on initial media reports.

Worker deaths by industry of workplace as of December 2012:
Transport, postal & warehousing 66
Agriculture, forestry & fishing 45
Construction 21
Manufacturing 14
Administrative & support services 7
Public administration & safety 6
Arts & recreation services 5
Mining 5
Electricity, gas, water & waste services 4
Wholesale trade 2
Retail trade 2
Education & training 3
Other services 2
Financial & insurance services 1
Health care & social assistance 2
Professional, scientific & technical services 1
Accommodation & food services 1
Government administration & defence 1
Industry unknown 4
Total worker deaths 192

Vocam Training Videos
Leadership: Being Proactive in Safety
Safety Awareness

E-learning Courses
Leadership: Being Proactive in Safety – E-Learning
Understanding Safety in the Office - E-Learning
Safety Awareness – E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: Safety Culture.

2 companies fined after crane collapsed on building site

Two companies have been fined after a serious failure in communications led to an 80 tonne mobile crane toppling over, narrowly missing workmen and a busy road.

The incident happened on a building site during construction of a new nursing home. The crane was supplied and operated by another company but confusion arose as to whether the job had been set up as a crane hire only or contract hire basis. Planning of the lift was neglected by both firms and led to vital roles for the job not being assigned.

The lift itself was carried out unsafely as the crane was overloaded and being operated on poor ground. As a result the 80-tonne crane overturned and its extended 50 metre jib fell. A lift plan should have been drawn-up by the competent person and communicated to those involved in the work.

The principal contractor was fined £16,000 and the other company was fined £10,000.

HSE inspector Kathy Gostick said: “Good communications between all those involved in crane operations and all other construction activities is vital to ensure lifting operations are properly planned, particularly those involving the use of heavy mobile cranes working in a busy area such as a construction site.”

Vocam Training Videos
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks

E-learning Courses
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-Learning
Safety Awareness – E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-sw-southcoastcranehire.htm?eban=rss-

Firm prosecuted for unsafe scaffolding

The lives of several construction workers were put at risk as they worked on unsafe scaffolding at a farm.

The men were spotted working on a barn conversion during a series of on-the-spot inspections carried out by the Health and Safety Executive, and the inspector immediately served a Prohibition Notice ordering the men to come down.

Workers were seen on scaffolding platforms with numerous missing guard rails, deck boards and toe boards to prevent them falling. The company was prosecuted for failing to take sufficient measures to prevent workers being injured in a fall and fined £5,000.

HSE Inspector Anthony Polec said: "Work at height is one of the biggest causes of workplace deaths in the UK, with dozens of fatal injuries every year. It’s therefore vital that construction companies do all they can to protect their workers."

Vocam Training Videos
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Height Safety Essentials
Slips Trips and Falls

E-learning Courses
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-Learning
Height Safety Essentials - E-Learning
Safety Awareness – E-Learning
Slips Trips and Falls - E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-ribble-valley.htm?eban=rss-

$50,000 fine for construction company following worker's fall

A construction company has been fined $50,000 in the Industrial Court after a labourer was seriously injured when he fell through a floor opening. The 54-year-old worker was moving building materials at a 22-unit residential development when he fell through an exhaust hole.

In falling 4m onto concrete he suffered severe head injuries, tissue damage and bruising, and needed emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain caused by a haemorrhage.

An investigation by WorkCover NSW found a lack of safety procedures led to the fall, including a failure to cover or barricade the exhaust hole.

A carpentry company and its director have also been fined a total of $125,000 over the incident, and WorkCover is pursuing prosecutions against other companies and individuals, with six matters still before the court.

Vocam Training Videos
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Safety Awareness
Slips Trips and Falls

E-learning Courses
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety - E-Learning
Safety Awareness - E-Learning
Slips Trips and Falls - E-Learning
Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/50000-fine-for-fall-injuries-20121113-29afv.html#ixzz2CEoRN6xu

Construction worker survives lightning strike

One man was struck directly by lighting while another was knocked to the ground by the impact of the lightening strike at a construction worksite.

“Both the injured men were attended by paramedics at the scene and taken to South Hedland Medical Campus for further treatment” The company said in a statement.

“One has left hospital after being treated for a minor neck injury. The other man, aged 24, suffered burns to five percent of his body. He is well and stable and will remain in hospital for monitoring for the next two days.”

The two injured men were part of a five-man crew and were about to leave the work site after witnessing lightning in the area. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Vocam Training Videos
Electrical Safety Essentials
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety

E-learning Courses
Electrical Safety Essentials – E-Learning
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/pilbara-worker-survives-lightning-strike-second-man-injured/story-fndo486p-1226506800721

Construction firm fined for endangering workers and the public

A construction firm has been prosecuted for endangering workers and the public with unsafe demolition work.

Local residents raised concerns that asbestos materials were being smashed up and littering the site, that debris was dropping from height onto the road and footpath; and that the site was insecure despite its close proximity to a local school.

The Health and Safety Executive investigation found that the company should have carried out an asbestos survey and produced a health and safety plan and a plan of demolition to ensure the buildings came down in a safe manner. Safe working platforms such as scaffolding could also have been used.

The construction company also employed inexperienced labourers to carry out demolition and asbestos removal, and did not give them sufficient instruction, training, or supervision. The company was fined £36,000 and ordered to pay £9159 in costs.

HSE Inspector Helen Donnelly said: "Construction projects need to be properly planned and safely managed by competent personnel using the right procedures and equipment. That clearly didn't happen here, and I hope lessons have been learned."

Vocam Training Videos
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Hazardous Chemicals - GHS Classification & Communication
Hazardous Substances Safety Essentials

E-learning Courses
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-Learning
Hazardous Chemicals: GHS Classification and Communication - E-Learning
Safety Awareness – E-Learning
Hazardous Substances Safety Essentials - E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-ldn-19412.htm?eban=rss-

Young construction worker suffers near-death fall

A 21-year old construction worker started his work day like any other on Monday but it finished with him flat on his back in hospital, with a near-death tale to tell.

He fell more than 5m down a ventilation shaft at his workplace. He is recovering in hospital, with spinal injuries, broken ribs, slight bleeding on the brain & an air bubble trapped in his chest cavity.

The young worker's father was told over the phone his boy had been involved in a ''serious incident'' and was being rushed to Hospital. It is the type of phone call that too many families have taken, work safety authorities said.

The worker found himself at the bottom of the shaft after being knocked unconscious by the fall. ''The first thing he thought was either I'm dead or I'm blind because when he opened his eyes up, there was nothing,'' his father said.

''He couldn't cry out because he couldn't get any air into his lungs and he couldn't call triple 0 because he couldn't get any phone reception. So you can imagine the terror - with the pain he was in and the injuries that he's got.”

Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe said bosses were required to report serious workplace accidents and injuries. ''If WorkSafe becomes aware of serious incidents through some other means, often the scene of the accident will have been disturbed and any investigation by the regulator will be compromised.''

Employers who failed to comply with the law faced fines of up to $50,000.

Vocam Training Videos
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Slips, Trips and Falls
Height Safety Essentials

E-learning Courses
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-Learning
Height Safety Essentials – E-Learning
Safety Awareness – E-Learning
Slips, Trips and Falls – E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/how-a-work-day-ended-in-emergency-20121023-283z7.html#ixzz2AFx3Xm5i

Building company fined $60,000 after a worker was severely injured in a workplace fall

A building company has been fined $60,000 for an incident which left a worker a paraplegic after he fell from the rafters of a two-storey house.

The 27-year-old worker was injured while he was helping install new roof trusses. The roof and trusses were wet from earlier rain and, when he attempted to lift two trusses laminated together, he lost his grip and fell back into the stairwell void. There was no fall protection above the void.

The worker fell almost 4m to the landing below, breaking three vertebrae. He also suffered a punctured lung, broken ribs, a fractured wrist and a head wound.

WorkSafe’s General Manager for Health and Safety, Lisa Sturzenegger, said fall protection was among the most fundamental measures of construction industry safety.

Vocam Training Videos
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Slips, Trips and Falls
Height Safety Essentials

E-learning Courses
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-Learning
Height Safety Essentials – E-Learning
Safety Awareness – E-Learning
Slips, Trips and Falls – E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/news/item/268-second-company-fined-$60,000-after-fall-leaves-worker-in-wheelchair.html

£167,000 fine for construction company following worker’s death

A construction company has been ordered to pay £210,000 in fines and costs after an employee died following an explosion on a construction site. The explosion occurred following damage to an 11,000 volt live cable within an excavation. The 22-year-old construction operative suffered burns over 60% of his body.

The company had not informed workers that there were live cables in the excavation and the company failed to put adequate measures in place to prevent workers from coming into contact with the cable. The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Lisa Chappell, said: "This incident highlights the absolute necessity for such work to be properly planned and managed. Operatives should be briefed on the presence of cables and a safe system of working should be robustly enforced. The worker’s family continues to grieve the loss of a son and brother following an incident that could have easily been prevented."

Vocam Training Video
Electrical Safety Essentials
Leadership: Being Proactive in Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety

E-learning Course
Electrical Safety Essentials – E-learning
Leadership: Being Proactive in Safety – E-learning
Safety Awareness – E-learning
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-ldn-200912.htm

Firm in court over worker's life-threatening fall

A firm has been sentenced after a worker received life-threatening injuries when he fell from scaffolding at a sports centre.

The 43-year-old man suffered a brain haemorrhage, fractured skull, collapsed lung and broken collarbone, ribs, wrist and fingers. His employer was prosecuted by the HSE after an investigation found the scaffolding tower the company provided was unsafe. The brakes on the wheels of the scaffolding tower had not been applied to stop it moving and there was no edge protection around the work platform to prevent employees falling off.

The man fell more than two metres to the concrete floor below when the tower started to move across the room as he was working.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Mark Baker said: "The scaffolding tower the company provided simply wasn't up to the job and [the worker’s] life was put in danger the minute he started to climb it. This case should act as a warning to firms not to cut corners and to make sure they use the right equipment for the job they're doing."

Vocam Training Video
Height Safety Essentials
Slips Trips and Falls
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety

E-learning Course
Slips, Trips and Falls – E-learning
Height Safety Essentials – E-learning
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks – E-learning
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

For more information on this workplace health and safety news, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-cmeceilings.htm