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.”
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-sw-southcoastcranehire.htm?eban=rss-
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Worker injured after crane collapse
A drilling company has been fined $170,000 after pleading guilty to an incident in which a falling gantry crane injured one man and narrowly missed several others working on a desalination pipeline project.
The company pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to ensure the safety of workers, and was also ordered to pay $2787.52 in costs.
The incident occurred when the company was dismantling a specially designed gantry crane from a pipeline site. A director instructed workers to remove the pins on the portal legs of the crane before the gantry crane’s weight was supported by the mobile crane.
As the pins were being removed, the gantry crane collapsed. A worker on the crane rode it down and was thrown heavily to the ground.
The injured worker suffered shoulder, back, leg and other injuries. He has lost range of movement in one arm and continues to suffer pain as a result of the incident.
WorkSafe’s General Manager of Health and Safety Operations, Lisa Sturzenegger, said “This prosecution serves as a timely reminder that safety must always be a top priority on any work site. As we are getting into a busy time of year for many employers and employees, we want everyone to take extra care at work.”
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Source: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/news/item/280-company-fined-$170,000-over-crane-collapse.html
The company pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to ensure the safety of workers, and was also ordered to pay $2787.52 in costs.
The incident occurred when the company was dismantling a specially designed gantry crane from a pipeline site. A director instructed workers to remove the pins on the portal legs of the crane before the gantry crane’s weight was supported by the mobile crane.
As the pins were being removed, the gantry crane collapsed. A worker on the crane rode it down and was thrown heavily to the ground.
The injured worker suffered shoulder, back, leg and other injuries. He has lost range of movement in one arm and continues to suffer pain as a result of the incident.
WorkSafe’s General Manager of Health and Safety Operations, Lisa Sturzenegger, said “This prosecution serves as a timely reminder that safety must always be a top priority on any work site. As we are getting into a busy time of year for many employers and employees, we want everyone to take extra care at work.”
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Source: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/news/item/280-company-fined-$170,000-over-crane-collapse.html
Monday, November 19, 2012
Concrete company prosecuted after worker hit by forklift truck
A concrete firm has been prosecuted after a worker suffered serious leg injuries when he was hit by a forklift truck.
The 38-year-old was responsible for removing excess concrete from moulds at a factory. He was putting concrete in a bucket and then onto the prongs of the forklift, when he was struck by the vehicle.
He suffered multiple foot fractures, needed four screws in his broken ankle and also hurt his knee. The firm was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,897.
The Health and Safety Executive found there was a written instruction in the factory stating the bucket should be not be placed directly on the forks. This had not been translated into Polish for the benefit of the migrant labour the company employed, like the injured worker.
HSE inspector Katharine Walker said: "The company had allowed an unsafe custom and practice to develop. There was no effective segregation of vehicles and pedestrians and the means of transporting the waste concrete was bound to bring the two into contact.”
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-wm-17212.htm?eban=rss-
The 38-year-old was responsible for removing excess concrete from moulds at a factory. He was putting concrete in a bucket and then onto the prongs of the forklift, when he was struck by the vehicle.
He suffered multiple foot fractures, needed four screws in his broken ankle and also hurt his knee. The firm was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,897.
The Health and Safety Executive found there was a written instruction in the factory stating the bucket should be not be placed directly on the forks. This had not been translated into Polish for the benefit of the migrant labour the company employed, like the injured worker.
HSE inspector Katharine Walker said: "The company had allowed an unsafe custom and practice to develop. There was no effective segregation of vehicles and pedestrians and the means of transporting the waste concrete was bound to bring the two into contact.”
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-wm-17212.htm?eban=rss-
Worker receives compensation for injuries sustained on his day off
A flight attendant with a major airline has won a landmark legal case that could affect hundreds of workers who are injured while travelling for job-related reasons on days off.
The Industrial Court President found:
• The worker was injured in a traffic accident the day before he was due to renew his US Visa.
• The airline required him to renew his Visa in his own time, booked his early morning appointment and paid for his early morning flight.
• His employment was "a significant contributing factor" to his injuries and he was entitled to compensation.
• The nature and terms of his employment and the decisions of the airline caused the worker to be in traffic when and where he was injured.
The worker’s lawyer, Greg Black, said the decision could protect other workers whose employers required them to travel in their own time to renew work-related licences or visas or meet job conditions.
Source: The Australian
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The Industrial Court President found:
• The worker was injured in a traffic accident the day before he was due to renew his US Visa.
• The airline required him to renew his Visa in his own time, booked his early morning appointment and paid for his early morning flight.
• His employment was "a significant contributing factor" to his injuries and he was entitled to compensation.
• The nature and terms of his employment and the decisions of the airline caused the worker to be in traffic when and where he was injured.
The worker’s lawyer, Greg Black, said the decision could protect other workers whose employers required them to travel in their own time to renew work-related licences or visas or meet job conditions.
Source: The Australian
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Friday, November 16, 2012
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."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-ribble-valley.htm?eban=rss-
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."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-ribble-valley.htm?eban=rss-
Machine safety - The focus of WorkSafe's latest campaign
An image of a man with his hand trapped in a mincer has gone up on billboards around Victoria, as part of the latest stage in a major campaign by WorkSafe to warn employers and employees of the risk associated with dangerous machines.
According to the latest WorkSafe statistics, in Victoria:
* 6 workers are maimed every day
* 7 workers suffer an amputation every month
* 11 workers suffer a laceration every week
In the last 5 years, almost 11,000 workers have suffered injuries such as amputations and lacerations caused by dangerous machines, leading to a $220 million bill for medical treatment, rehabilitation and income support. Of the 11,000 injuries, 71% occurred in manufacturing, construction, transport, warehousing and storage industries.
“If a machine is used to mix, move or stamp, then it can cut, crush or amputate,” WorkSafe’s Health and Safety Operations General Manager, Lisa Sturzenegger said.
Over the next year, WorkSafe inspectors will be upping the ante on employers to control dangerous machines by ensuring they are properly guarded, have emergency controls in place and train and supervise their workers properly.
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Source: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/news/item/279-don-t-mince-around-with-machines.html
According to the latest WorkSafe statistics, in Victoria:
* 6 workers are maimed every day
* 7 workers suffer an amputation every month
* 11 workers suffer a laceration every week
In the last 5 years, almost 11,000 workers have suffered injuries such as amputations and lacerations caused by dangerous machines, leading to a $220 million bill for medical treatment, rehabilitation and income support. Of the 11,000 injuries, 71% occurred in manufacturing, construction, transport, warehousing and storage industries.
“If a machine is used to mix, move or stamp, then it can cut, crush or amputate,” WorkSafe’s Health and Safety Operations General Manager, Lisa Sturzenegger said.
Over the next year, WorkSafe inspectors will be upping the ante on employers to control dangerous machines by ensuring they are properly guarded, have emergency controls in place and train and supervise their workers properly.
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Source: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/news/item/279-don-t-mince-around-with-machines.html
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Defence company ordered to pay £376,000 for safety failings that caused a fatal explosion
A defence company has been ordered to pay £376,000 for safety failings that caused a fatal explosion at its factory.
A 37-year-old worker was killed from injuries sustained in the blast. He was emptying industrial ovens that contained high levels of nitroglycerin (NG) that exploded, destroying the factory building.
The company had realized in 2004 that their process for curing pellets as part of the production of military flares produced the explosive chemical as a by-product. None of the company's management team were competent to deal with the issue, and they did not seek external assistance.
Their failure to properly assess and manage the risks put workers and the public in danger. A second explosion occurred in 2008 when the company attempted to dismantle the remaining NG contaminated oven.
HSE inspector Qamar Khan said: "Both explosions were foreseeable and preventable had the company sought and taken appropriate advice and implemented the correct measures."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-se-20412.htm?eban=rss-
A 37-year-old worker was killed from injuries sustained in the blast. He was emptying industrial ovens that contained high levels of nitroglycerin (NG) that exploded, destroying the factory building.
The company had realized in 2004 that their process for curing pellets as part of the production of military flares produced the explosive chemical as a by-product. None of the company's management team were competent to deal with the issue, and they did not seek external assistance.
Their failure to properly assess and manage the risks put workers and the public in danger. A second explosion occurred in 2008 when the company attempted to dismantle the remaining NG contaminated oven.
HSE inspector Qamar Khan said: "Both explosions were foreseeable and preventable had the company sought and taken appropriate advice and implemented the correct measures."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-se-20412.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.
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Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/50000-fine-for-fall-injuries-20121113-29afv.html#ixzz2CEoRN6xu
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.
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Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/50000-fine-for-fall-injuries-20121113-29afv.html#ixzz2CEoRN6xu
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Aerospace company prosecuted after worker’s eyes burnt with caustic soda
An aerospace company has been fined for safety failings after a worker injured his eye whilst cleaning out a tank containing caustic soda.
The 39-year-old sustained a chemical burn to his eyelid and inside his tear duct after flicking sodium hydroxide crystals into his face. He required emergency treatment at hospital.
The employee was standing in a tank containing a solid crystalline material composed largely of sodium hydroxide. Whilst chipping away at the material, his protective mask misted up and as he took it off to clean the visor, some caustic crystals flicked onto his eye lid.
The worker was not only exposed to risks from working with a hazardous material, but could also have fallen into the storage tank. The company was fined £17,000 and ordered to pay £3,246 in costs.
Health and Safety Executive Inspector Vicky Fletcher commented: “The company failed to adequately assess the risks and failed to provide adequate control measures to ensure the job could be done safely.”
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-e-infliteengineering.htm?eban=rss-
The 39-year-old sustained a chemical burn to his eyelid and inside his tear duct after flicking sodium hydroxide crystals into his face. He required emergency treatment at hospital.
The employee was standing in a tank containing a solid crystalline material composed largely of sodium hydroxide. Whilst chipping away at the material, his protective mask misted up and as he took it off to clean the visor, some caustic crystals flicked onto his eye lid.
The worker was not only exposed to risks from working with a hazardous material, but could also have fallen into the storage tank. The company was fined £17,000 and ordered to pay £3,246 in costs.
Health and Safety Executive Inspector Vicky Fletcher commented: “The company failed to adequately assess the risks and failed to provide adequate control measures to ensure the job could be done safely.”
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-e-infliteengineering.htm?eban=rss-
Food processing company fined after worker's finger amputated
A food processing company has been fined $10,000 over an incident which led to the amputation of a worker’s finger.
The worker was operating a mincing machine that had a hopper at the top where meat was fed to be minced. He started the machine and climbed onto a stepladder to check the amount of meat going down the hopper. Upon noticing that the meat was only going half way down he pushed the meat down using his hand. His finger got stuck in the mincing area and was injured, requiring amputation.
WorkSafe Acting Director Ian Munns said the case was a disappointing example of an employer’s failure to provide workers with sufficient protection from moving parts of machinery.
“Subsequent to this incident, the employer installed a safe system of work for this mincer that cost less than $3000 – far less than the total $11,548 the company ended up paying in a fine and costs.
“Many workers have been seriously injured when machinery they were working on has been activated. Guarding of the dangerous moving parts of machinery is such a basic and easy precaution to take, and it’s disappointing that we continue to see cases where these simple measures are not taken.”
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Source: Safety Culture - OHS news
The worker was operating a mincing machine that had a hopper at the top where meat was fed to be minced. He started the machine and climbed onto a stepladder to check the amount of meat going down the hopper. Upon noticing that the meat was only going half way down he pushed the meat down using his hand. His finger got stuck in the mincing area and was injured, requiring amputation.
WorkSafe Acting Director Ian Munns said the case was a disappointing example of an employer’s failure to provide workers with sufficient protection from moving parts of machinery.
“Subsequent to this incident, the employer installed a safe system of work for this mincer that cost less than $3000 – far less than the total $11,548 the company ended up paying in a fine and costs.
“Many workers have been seriously injured when machinery they were working on has been activated. Guarding of the dangerous moving parts of machinery is such a basic and easy precaution to take, and it’s disappointing that we continue to see cases where these simple measures are not taken.”
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Source: Safety Culture - OHS news
Monday, November 5, 2012
Food poisoning case leads to $12,000 fine
The former director of a bakery has been fined more than $12,000 over an outbreak of salmonella poisoning.
The NSW Food Authority successfully prosecuted the former director of a Bakehouse over a foodborne illness outbreak, which saw 83 people fall ill with salmonella food poisoning, of which 20 were hospitalised.
The former director was found guilty of 4 charges including; selling unsafe food, unsafe handling of raw egg products, unclean equipment and the failure to ensure food handlers had adequate skills and knowledge about food safety.
NSW Food Authority CEO Polly Bennett said the prosecution "sends a clear message to all retail food outlets that you will face enforcement action, and in some cases, prosecution, if you breach the Food Standards Code."
"It is the responsibility of every food business to ensure that the food they serve is safe to eat. The charge of failing to ensure adequate knowledge and skills of food handlers is an important reminder that competent food handlers play an important role in preventing outbreaks of foodborne illness."
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Source: http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/food/news/$12-000-fine-over-sydney-food-poisoning-case
The NSW Food Authority successfully prosecuted the former director of a Bakehouse over a foodborne illness outbreak, which saw 83 people fall ill with salmonella food poisoning, of which 20 were hospitalised.
The former director was found guilty of 4 charges including; selling unsafe food, unsafe handling of raw egg products, unclean equipment and the failure to ensure food handlers had adequate skills and knowledge about food safety.
NSW Food Authority CEO Polly Bennett said the prosecution "sends a clear message to all retail food outlets that you will face enforcement action, and in some cases, prosecution, if you breach the Food Standards Code."
"It is the responsibility of every food business to ensure that the food they serve is safe to eat. The charge of failing to ensure adequate knowledge and skills of food handlers is an important reminder that competent food handlers play an important role in preventing outbreaks of foodborne illness."
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Source: http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/food/news/$12-000-fine-over-sydney-food-poisoning-case
Salad company prosecuted after worker fell over 4m
A salad company has been sentenced for safety breaches after a worker fell more than 4m through a greenhouse roof.
The 44-year-old was cleaning and repainting greenhouse gutters when he lost his footing and fell through the glass roof. He broke his wrist and needed 20 staples across a head wound before being released from hospital after an overnight stay.
The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted the firm for failing to protect its workforce against the risk of falls. The company was fined £12,500 with £3,921 in costs.
The worker was one of a team of employees tasked with working on the gutters of 20 greenhouses at the firm's 30-acre site. The team were told to walk heel to toe along the gutters and to use a long-handled brush to steady themselves against the glazing bars. No equipment was provided and no instruction given to protect them against a fall.
The worker had cleaned some guttering and returned to the ground to collect his brush and paint. He climbed back up and had completed a short length of paintwork when his right foot went through the glass and he fell through the fragile roof.
HSE Inspector Andrew Gale said: "This case highlights how important it is for employers to identify the risks involved in working at height, particularly near fragile materials, and taking the necessary steps to reduce those risks and prevent falls.
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-yh-20112.htm
The 44-year-old was cleaning and repainting greenhouse gutters when he lost his footing and fell through the glass roof. He broke his wrist and needed 20 staples across a head wound before being released from hospital after an overnight stay.
The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted the firm for failing to protect its workforce against the risk of falls. The company was fined £12,500 with £3,921 in costs.
The worker was one of a team of employees tasked with working on the gutters of 20 greenhouses at the firm's 30-acre site. The team were told to walk heel to toe along the gutters and to use a long-handled brush to steady themselves against the glazing bars. No equipment was provided and no instruction given to protect them against a fall.
The worker had cleaned some guttering and returned to the ground to collect his brush and paint. He climbed back up and had completed a short length of paintwork when his right foot went through the glass and he fell through the fragile roof.
HSE Inspector Andrew Gale said: "This case highlights how important it is for employers to identify the risks involved in working at height, particularly near fragile materials, and taking the necessary steps to reduce those risks and prevent falls.
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-yh-20112.htm
Friday, November 2, 2012
Worker loses 2 fingers in vegetable slicer
A company has been ordered to pay more than $50,000 after an employee had two fingers chopped off in a vegetable slicer.
The company was found guilty of failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace and, by that failure, causing the employee serious harm. The company was fined $40,000 and ordered to pay $12,000 in costs.
The business produced ready-made salads for supply to supermarkets and contained several machines to cut and slice the produce, one of which was a belt slicer. An employee was operating the machine and wanted to clear some vegetable matter from the chamber.
He hit the emergency stop button and put his hand into the chamber, not knowing that the emergency stop button and interlock were not functioning because of a fault in the electrical relay.
The blades were still spinning when he put his hand in and two of his fingers were amputated to the middle knuckle.
WorkSafe acting executive director Ian Munns said the case illustrated how important it was to have lock-out and tagging procedures at workplaces with machinery. "It's never safe to leave any piece of machinery operational while doing repairs or performing maintenance" he said.
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Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2012/11/01/20/20/40-000-fine-for-finger-slice-accident
The company was found guilty of failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace and, by that failure, causing the employee serious harm. The company was fined $40,000 and ordered to pay $12,000 in costs.
The business produced ready-made salads for supply to supermarkets and contained several machines to cut and slice the produce, one of which was a belt slicer. An employee was operating the machine and wanted to clear some vegetable matter from the chamber.
He hit the emergency stop button and put his hand into the chamber, not knowing that the emergency stop button and interlock were not functioning because of a fault in the electrical relay.
The blades were still spinning when he put his hand in and two of his fingers were amputated to the middle knuckle.
WorkSafe acting executive director Ian Munns said the case illustrated how important it was to have lock-out and tagging procedures at workplaces with machinery. "It's never safe to leave any piece of machinery operational while doing repairs or performing maintenance" he said.
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Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2012/11/01/20/20/40-000-fine-for-finger-slice-accident
2 companies sentenced over worker's permanent injuries
A building company and a decorating firm have been fined after a worker suffered multiple injuries when he plummeted more than 7m through a skylight.
The incident happened when the worker was painting the roof on an industrial unit. He stepped on to a fragile skylight which shattered and he fell through to the concrete floor below.
The 36-year-old broke his leg, hip, pelvis, wrist and elbow. He also sustained head injuries and lacerations to his face. The father-of-five was in hospital for 3 weeks where he underwent extensive surgery.
The sub-contractor failed to properly assess the risks involved in doing the job. As a result it didn't get a safe system of work in place. The principal contractor made very little effort to ensure the sub-contractors were competent and monitor the work being undertaken.
The injured worker said: "This has turned my life upside down. All of a sudden everyday things that you take for granted can't be done any more.”
Health and Safety Executive inspector Sam Russell said: "Work at height is a high risk activity and steps should have been taken to identify those risks and mitigate against them.”
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-em-16212.htm
The incident happened when the worker was painting the roof on an industrial unit. He stepped on to a fragile skylight which shattered and he fell through to the concrete floor below.
The 36-year-old broke his leg, hip, pelvis, wrist and elbow. He also sustained head injuries and lacerations to his face. The father-of-five was in hospital for 3 weeks where he underwent extensive surgery.
The sub-contractor failed to properly assess the risks involved in doing the job. As a result it didn't get a safe system of work in place. The principal contractor made very little effort to ensure the sub-contractors were competent and monitor the work being undertaken.
The injured worker said: "This has turned my life upside down. All of a sudden everyday things that you take for granted can't be done any more.”
Health and Safety Executive inspector Sam Russell said: "Work at height is a high risk activity and steps should have been taken to identify those risks and mitigate against them.”
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-em-16212.htm
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.
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Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/pilbara-worker-survives-lightning-strike-second-man-injured/story-fndo486p-1226506800721
“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.
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Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/pilbara-worker-survives-lightning-strike-second-man-injured/story-fndo486p-1226506800721
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Proposed workplace bullying laws allow workers to claim compensation for being left idle
Workers in cushy jobs will be able to claim compo for being left idle, under national laws drawn up to combat bullying.
Employer groups have hit out at Safe Work Australia's "nanny state" rules, outlined in a draft code of practice that would be admissible in court cases. The code lists "not providing enough work" as a form of "indirect bullying", along with constantly changing deadlines or setting timelines that are difficult to achieve. It advises employers to ban pranks and discourage "exclusive clubs or cliques", so workers are not "ostracised" by colleagues.
The Australian Industry Group's representative on the board of Safe Work Australia, Mark Goodsell, said "It's easy for people to make an allegation and it is expensive and difficult for companies and management to rebut it."
The latest draft by Safe Work Australia states that "in some situations, behaviours may unintentionally cause distress and be perceived as bullying. For example, a manager or supervisor in a position of power may have a management style that seems to be strict or disciplinary when it is in fact bullying.”
The code has been put on ice pending the outcome of a parliamentary inquiry into bullying, ordered by Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry director David Goodwin said "employers are now responsible for virtually every aspect of wellbeing of their staff, whether they know about it or not”.
ACCI work health and safety manager Carolyn Davis said "the guidance must clearly distinguish bullying from legitimate management practices and reasonable management”.
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Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/national-bullying-laws-allow-workers-left-idle-to-claim-workers-compensation/story-e6frg6n6-1226504514022
Employer groups have hit out at Safe Work Australia's "nanny state" rules, outlined in a draft code of practice that would be admissible in court cases. The code lists "not providing enough work" as a form of "indirect bullying", along with constantly changing deadlines or setting timelines that are difficult to achieve. It advises employers to ban pranks and discourage "exclusive clubs or cliques", so workers are not "ostracised" by colleagues.
The Australian Industry Group's representative on the board of Safe Work Australia, Mark Goodsell, said "It's easy for people to make an allegation and it is expensive and difficult for companies and management to rebut it."
The latest draft by Safe Work Australia states that "in some situations, behaviours may unintentionally cause distress and be perceived as bullying. For example, a manager or supervisor in a position of power may have a management style that seems to be strict or disciplinary when it is in fact bullying.”
The code has been put on ice pending the outcome of a parliamentary inquiry into bullying, ordered by Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry director David Goodwin said "employers are now responsible for virtually every aspect of wellbeing of their staff, whether they know about it or not”.
ACCI work health and safety manager Carolyn Davis said "the guidance must clearly distinguish bullying from legitimate management practices and reasonable management”.
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Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/national-bullying-laws-allow-workers-left-idle-to-claim-workers-compensation/story-e6frg6n6-1226504514022
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."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-ldn-19412.htm?eban=rss-
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."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-ldn-19412.htm?eban=rss-
Thursday, October 25, 2012
International paper manufacturer fined £200,000 after worker’s death
An international paper manufacturer has been ordered to pay £260,000 in fines and costs for serious safety failings after a mill worker was crushed between two large rollers running at full production speed.
There had been significant production problems with paper breaks and waste material affecting the process. The 45-year-old worker gained access to the large rollers by opening an unlocked gate, & used a long-handled tool to clear waste material. The rollers were running at 131 metres a minute. He was drawn into the rollers and suffered severe crush injuries.
HSE found significant failings by the company in guarding the rollers and in training given to workers. The company was fined £200,000.
His widow said: "Words cannot describe the gap left in our lives by his death. Today's court decision can never bring him back but does give us a sense of justice.”
HSE Inspector, Jo Fitzgerald, said: "Fast moving machinery is a well-known hazard and must be properly guarded. Managers must take an honest look at how things are done and involve their workforce in identifying problems and improvements."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-sw-arjowiggins.htm?eban=rss-
There had been significant production problems with paper breaks and waste material affecting the process. The 45-year-old worker gained access to the large rollers by opening an unlocked gate, & used a long-handled tool to clear waste material. The rollers were running at 131 metres a minute. He was drawn into the rollers and suffered severe crush injuries.
HSE found significant failings by the company in guarding the rollers and in training given to workers. The company was fined £200,000.
His widow said: "Words cannot describe the gap left in our lives by his death. Today's court decision can never bring him back but does give us a sense of justice.”
HSE Inspector, Jo Fitzgerald, said: "Fast moving machinery is a well-known hazard and must be properly guarded. Managers must take an honest look at how things are done and involve their workforce in identifying problems and improvements."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-sw-arjowiggins.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.
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Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/how-a-work-day-ended-in-emergency-20121023-283z7.html#ixzz2AFx3Xm5i
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.
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Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/how-a-work-day-ended-in-emergency-20121023-283z7.html#ixzz2AFx3Xm5i
Monday, October 22, 2012
Waste management firm fined after 2 workers injured within a week
A waste management firm has admitted neglecting the safety of its workforce after 2 men were injured within just a week.
The first incident happened when site workers were setting up a waste sorting machine for use. One worker climbed on to its front conveyor belt and kneeled down to clear a blockage, while his co-worker thought he had gone to fetch something and started up the machine. He was propelled along the belt and dropped ten feet. He suffered fractures to his foot and skin and nerve damage.
The second incident occurred when a worker was helping to restart a Jaw Crusher machine. He saw some wire tangled in a magnetic belt roller and went to pull it free. The machine suddenly restarted and the wire was pulled back into the rollers along with the worker’s left forearm. He sustained crush injuries to his forearm.
The company had failed to implement simple measures that would have prevented both incidents and had ignored earlier warnings by the Health and Safety Executive about the lack of a safe system of work.
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-yh-19212.htm?eban=rss-
The first incident happened when site workers were setting up a waste sorting machine for use. One worker climbed on to its front conveyor belt and kneeled down to clear a blockage, while his co-worker thought he had gone to fetch something and started up the machine. He was propelled along the belt and dropped ten feet. He suffered fractures to his foot and skin and nerve damage.
The second incident occurred when a worker was helping to restart a Jaw Crusher machine. He saw some wire tangled in a magnetic belt roller and went to pull it free. The machine suddenly restarted and the wire was pulled back into the rollers along with the worker’s left forearm. He sustained crush injuries to his forearm.
The company had failed to implement simple measures that would have prevented both incidents and had ignored earlier warnings by the Health and Safety Executive about the lack of a safe system of work.
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-yh-19212.htm?eban=rss-
Man buried alive in a sand silo in a tragic workplace accident
In a tragic workplace accident, a worker at a building and mining company died when he was buried alive in a sand silo. He was moving sand from a pile when it collapsed on him.
The company’s owner told ABC today that the incident was an “unmitigated disaster”. Six FESA crews, including fire and rescue officers rushed to the worksite amid reports a man had been crushed. Attempts to extricate him were unsuccessful and he died at the scene.
WorkSafe is now investigating the incident and a spokeswoman said the man, in his 20s, was working underneath a pile of fine sand used in concrete production when it collapsed on top of him. How the mound collapsed was still being investigated.
After being told someone had been crushed, a co-worker said “it shouldn't happen to anybody at any time. Things go wrong. Mistakes happen.”
Unions WA secretary Meredith Hammat said it was concerning work injuries were on the rise after some years of decline. “Any fatality is a tragedy and for co-workers and family... I extend to them my sympathy,” she said.
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Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/man-buried-alive-in-sand/story-e6frf7jo-1226499886001
The company’s owner told ABC today that the incident was an “unmitigated disaster”. Six FESA crews, including fire and rescue officers rushed to the worksite amid reports a man had been crushed. Attempts to extricate him were unsuccessful and he died at the scene.
WorkSafe is now investigating the incident and a spokeswoman said the man, in his 20s, was working underneath a pile of fine sand used in concrete production when it collapsed on top of him. How the mound collapsed was still being investigated.
After being told someone had been crushed, a co-worker said “it shouldn't happen to anybody at any time. Things go wrong. Mistakes happen.”
Unions WA secretary Meredith Hammat said it was concerning work injuries were on the rise after some years of decline. “Any fatality is a tragedy and for co-workers and family... I extend to them my sympathy,” she said.
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Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/man-buried-alive-in-sand/story-e6frf7jo-1226499886001
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Company fined for exposing workers to amputation hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited an auto parts supplier with 13 safety violations at the company's auto parts manufacturing facility. The violations include a lack of machine guarding and allowing workers to perform maintenance on machinery without first isolating the equipment's energy source. Proposed fines total $51,000.
"OSHA is committed to protecting workers, especially when employers fail to do so" said Bill Wilkerson, OSHA's area director.
Twelve serious violations involve a lack of guarding for the points of operation on automated mechanical forging presses, not having machine-specific lockout/tagout procedures, a damaged metal guard on a conveyor, inadequate strain relief and insulation for electrical cords, a lack of periodic inspections, unguarded floor openings, failing to train workers, and failing to lock out the energy sources of machinery during servicing and maintenance.
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Source: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=23142
"OSHA is committed to protecting workers, especially when employers fail to do so" said Bill Wilkerson, OSHA's area director.
Twelve serious violations involve a lack of guarding for the points of operation on automated mechanical forging presses, not having machine-specific lockout/tagout procedures, a damaged metal guard on a conveyor, inadequate strain relief and insulation for electrical cords, a lack of periodic inspections, unguarded floor openings, failing to train workers, and failing to lock out the energy sources of machinery during servicing and maintenance.
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Source: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=23142
Food company in court following worker's fall
A grain milling company has been prosecuted after a worker was injured in a fall during the night shift.
The 45-year-old fell nearly 3m on to concrete after he climbed pipework to unblock a feed pipe. With no ladder or platform available, he climbed on nearby pipework and sat on one of the pipes to reach the blockage. He unbalanced and fell some 3m, hitting pipes below before landing on the ground. He suffered broken ribs, cuts and bruising in the incident.
A Health and Safety Executive investigation found the incident could have been avoided had the company put basic measures in place to protect workers against falls from height. The firm was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £3,712 in costs.
HSE Inspector Emma Rowlands said:
"You do not have to fall from a great height to either lose or ruin your life. Work at height remains one of the most significant causes of fatalities and major injuries among employees. Employers who put people at risk of serious injury or illness can expect to face enforcement action and for the worst offences criminal prosecution through the courts."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-e-10212.htm?eban=rss-
The 45-year-old fell nearly 3m on to concrete after he climbed pipework to unblock a feed pipe. With no ladder or platform available, he climbed on nearby pipework and sat on one of the pipes to reach the blockage. He unbalanced and fell some 3m, hitting pipes below before landing on the ground. He suffered broken ribs, cuts and bruising in the incident.
A Health and Safety Executive investigation found the incident could have been avoided had the company put basic measures in place to protect workers against falls from height. The firm was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £3,712 in costs.
HSE Inspector Emma Rowlands said:
"You do not have to fall from a great height to either lose or ruin your life. Work at height remains one of the most significant causes of fatalities and major injuries among employees. Employers who put people at risk of serious injury or illness can expect to face enforcement action and for the worst offences criminal prosecution through the courts."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-e-10212.htm?eban=rss-
Fair Work Australia dismissed a company's appeal over a worker's Facebook comments
Fair Work Australia (FWA) dismissed an appeal by a transport company, which tried to sack an employee for making derogatory comments about 2 of his managers on Facebook.
FWA found:
• Comments about the death of a Muslim terrorist were "distasteful", but within his right to free speech and could not be considered a personal attack on one of his managers, who is a practising Muslim.
• A comment referring to a manager as a "bacon hater" was in "poor taste".
• Sexual comments about a female manager were "outrageous", but most were made by his Facebook friends in response to his comment.
• The company did not have a social media policy and its induction training materials were inadequate grounds to sack the employee.
• The employee’s limited understanding of Facebook was relevant, but such claims of ignorance are likely to be viewed less favourably in the future as more people join social media websites.
The company launched an appeal but FWA upheld the original ruling.
The industrial umpire warned "Facebook conversations leave a permanent written record of statements and comments made by participants, which can be read at any time into the future until they are taken down by the page owner," the appeal panel said.
"Employees should therefore exercise considerable care in using social networking sites in making comments or conducting conversations about their managers and fellow employees."
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Source: http://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/linfox-loses-appeal-over-truckies-061015018.html
FWA found:
• Comments about the death of a Muslim terrorist were "distasteful", but within his right to free speech and could not be considered a personal attack on one of his managers, who is a practising Muslim.
• A comment referring to a manager as a "bacon hater" was in "poor taste".
• Sexual comments about a female manager were "outrageous", but most were made by his Facebook friends in response to his comment.
• The company did not have a social media policy and its induction training materials were inadequate grounds to sack the employee.
• The employee’s limited understanding of Facebook was relevant, but such claims of ignorance are likely to be viewed less favourably in the future as more people join social media websites.
The company launched an appeal but FWA upheld the original ruling.
The industrial umpire warned "Facebook conversations leave a permanent written record of statements and comments made by participants, which can be read at any time into the future until they are taken down by the page owner," the appeal panel said.
"Employees should therefore exercise considerable care in using social networking sites in making comments or conducting conversations about their managers and fellow employees."
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Source: http://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/linfox-loses-appeal-over-truckies-061015018.html
Monday, October 15, 2012
Manufacturing company prosecuted after worker's arm severed by conveyor
An animal feed manufacturer has been fined after a worker lost his arm when it became entangled in a conveyor. The 35-year-old was attempting to clear a blockage on a conveyor when his right arm became entangled and was severed just below the elbow.
The company had failed to provide a safe system of work for production staff to clear blockages on conveyors and there were no guards to prevent access to the unblocking hatch. The company was fined a total of £20,000 and £9,716 costs.
HSE Inspector Steven Gill, said: "This incident could have been prevented had there been appropriate guarding in place. This type of injury is not uncommon in the manufacturing industry."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-e-99.htm?eban=rss-
The company had failed to provide a safe system of work for production staff to clear blockages on conveyors and there were no guards to prevent access to the unblocking hatch. The company was fined a total of £20,000 and £9,716 costs.
HSE Inspector Steven Gill, said: "This incident could have been prevented had there been appropriate guarding in place. This type of injury is not uncommon in the manufacturing industry."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-e-99.htm?eban=rss-
Worker at a seafood plant found cooked to death in an industrial oven
A worker at a seafood plant in LA met a tragic end after he was found cooked to death in an industrial oven.
Officials at the Police Department said in a statement that they received a call "regarding an industrial accident" involving a worker at a Seafood plant. Police and local fire-department personnel responded, where they found a 62-year-old male employee dead at the scene. The employee had worked for the business for six years.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration spokeswoman Erika Monterroza told the Whittier Daily News that an initial investigation indicated the worker "was fatally injured when he was cooked in an oven" but it was unclear how he ended up inside the oven, resulting in this "horrendous tragedy”. Operations at the plant were suspended for a few days.
Source: http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2019425880_cooked14.html
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Officials at the Police Department said in a statement that they received a call "regarding an industrial accident" involving a worker at a Seafood plant. Police and local fire-department personnel responded, where they found a 62-year-old male employee dead at the scene. The employee had worked for the business for six years.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration spokeswoman Erika Monterroza told the Whittier Daily News that an initial investigation indicated the worker "was fatally injured when he was cooked in an oven" but it was unclear how he ended up inside the oven, resulting in this "horrendous tragedy”. Operations at the plant were suspended for a few days.
Source: http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2019425880_cooked14.html
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Thursday, October 11, 2012
Building maintenance firm prosecuted after employee loses leg
A building maintenance firm has been sentenced after one of its employees lost a leg when he was run over by a cherry picker at a nuclear site.
An investigation found there had not been a safe system of work for the task, and relevant training had not been provided. The 62-year-old had been standing close to the front of the cherry picker when it ran over his left leg, which later had to be amputated.
The company was fined £65,000 and ordered to pay £8,162 in prosecution costs.
The investigating HSE inspector, Faye Wingfield, said:
"The worker has suffered a terrible injury that will affect him for the rest of his life due to failings of his employer. If the risk assessment decided someone was needed to escort the vehicle then a safe system of work needed to be devised. Employees should also have been given appropriate training."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-johnsoncontrols.htm?eban=rss-
An investigation found there had not been a safe system of work for the task, and relevant training had not been provided. The 62-year-old had been standing close to the front of the cherry picker when it ran over his left leg, which later had to be amputated.
The company was fined £65,000 and ordered to pay £8,162 in prosecution costs.
The investigating HSE inspector, Faye Wingfield, said:
"The worker has suffered a terrible injury that will affect him for the rest of his life due to failings of his employer. If the risk assessment decided someone was needed to escort the vehicle then a safe system of work needed to be devised. Employees should also have been given appropriate training."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-johnsoncontrols.htm?eban=rss-
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.
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Source: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/news/item/268-second-company-fined-$60,000-after-fall-leaves-worker-in-wheelchair.html
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.
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Source: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/news/item/268-second-company-fined-$60,000-after-fall-leaves-worker-in-wheelchair.html
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Staff at a food manufacturer speak publicly about years of alleged workplace bullying
Almost half the staff at an inner-city gourmet food manufacturer have spoken out about alleged extreme workplace bullying. The staff took the unusual step of speaking publicly about the alleged bullying because they hoped doing so would help their situation.
18 staff out of 38 accused their employer of allowing bullying to go unchecked despite numerous complaints, including allowing a senior staff member to:
■Regularly scream at them & make sexual comments.
■Tell workers they needed to give 48 hours' notice if they wanted to take sick days.
■Demand staff work overtime, without any notice.
■Tell any casual worker who became full time they must ''celebrate'' by buying lunch for the entire workplace, or buying a supervisor a gift.
■Keep the wages of some employees for up to 8 weeks.
■Pressure most staff to pay her - in cash - 10% of a backpay payment.
The case will throw a spotlight on laws passed last year that were aimed at tackling workplace bullying.
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Source: http://www.theage.com.au/small-business/staff-at-food-plant-allege-years-of-extreme-bullying-20121007-277dc.html
18 staff out of 38 accused their employer of allowing bullying to go unchecked despite numerous complaints, including allowing a senior staff member to:
■Regularly scream at them & make sexual comments.
■Tell workers they needed to give 48 hours' notice if they wanted to take sick days.
■Demand staff work overtime, without any notice.
■Tell any casual worker who became full time they must ''celebrate'' by buying lunch for the entire workplace, or buying a supervisor a gift.
■Keep the wages of some employees for up to 8 weeks.
■Pressure most staff to pay her - in cash - 10% of a backpay payment.
The case will throw a spotlight on laws passed last year that were aimed at tackling workplace bullying.
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Social Media, Email and Online Etiquette – E-Learning
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Source: http://www.theage.com.au/small-business/staff-at-food-plant-allege-years-of-extreme-bullying-20121007-277dc.html
Safe Work Australia has proposed a code of practice to fight workplace fatigue
Under proposed national laws to fight workplace fatigue, bosses will have to roster jobs around workers' social lives and check that staff who yawn or daydream aren't too tired to work safely.
Safe Work Australia’s checklist for employers to spot worker fatigue includes headaches, daydreaming, constant yawning, low motivation, moodiness, slow reflexes and responses, increased errors and drifting in and out of traffic lanes while driving.
The draft code proposes that:
• Bosses "eliminate or reduce the need to work extended hours or overtime" so staff don't get too tired.
• "Safety critical" tasks - such as administering drugs, driving a truck or electrical work - should not be performed in the "low body clock period" of 2pm to 4pm.
• Rosters should be drawn up to accommodate workers' social lives.
• Employers should train workers in "balancing work and personal lifestyle demands".
The code of practice - to be finalised next year - will be admissible in court if an employer is charged with breaching workplace health and safety laws.
Safe Work Australia is revising the code. "Changes aim to reflect recent research findings and outcomes of case law," a spokeswoman said.
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Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/safe-work-australia-plan-to-cut-risk-for-tired-workers-puts-employers-offside/story-fndo471r-1226489795262
Safe Work Australia’s checklist for employers to spot worker fatigue includes headaches, daydreaming, constant yawning, low motivation, moodiness, slow reflexes and responses, increased errors and drifting in and out of traffic lanes while driving.
The draft code proposes that:
• Bosses "eliminate or reduce the need to work extended hours or overtime" so staff don't get too tired.
• "Safety critical" tasks - such as administering drugs, driving a truck or electrical work - should not be performed in the "low body clock period" of 2pm to 4pm.
• Rosters should be drawn up to accommodate workers' social lives.
• Employers should train workers in "balancing work and personal lifestyle demands".
The code of practice - to be finalised next year - will be admissible in court if an employer is charged with breaching workplace health and safety laws.
Safe Work Australia is revising the code. "Changes aim to reflect recent research findings and outcomes of case law," a spokeswoman said.
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Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/safe-work-australia-plan-to-cut-risk-for-tired-workers-puts-employers-offside/story-fndo471r-1226489795262
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Company fined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for safety violations
The OSHA has cited a company with 28 serious safety violations for exposing workers to "struck-by," fall, amputation and shock hazards while they were manufacturing airport passenger boarding bridges. Proposed penalties total $172,000.
The violations involve failing to regularly inspect overhead cranes, hooks and slings; rate or inspect devices used for lifting; provide machine guarding for a press brake and belt sander; ensure that exits are not blocked and are properly marked; provide fall protection such as harnesses and guardrails; train workers on lockout/tagout procedures for the control of energy sources; and provide strain relief for flexible electrical cords.
"This company exposed workers to serious safety hazards that could cause amputations or electrocutions," said Jack Rector, OSHA's area director in Fort Worth. "OSHA will not tolerate an employer's disregard for workplace safety."
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Source: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=23085
The violations involve failing to regularly inspect overhead cranes, hooks and slings; rate or inspect devices used for lifting; provide machine guarding for a press brake and belt sander; ensure that exits are not blocked and are properly marked; provide fall protection such as harnesses and guardrails; train workers on lockout/tagout procedures for the control of energy sources; and provide strain relief for flexible electrical cords.
"This company exposed workers to serious safety hazards that could cause amputations or electrocutions," said Jack Rector, OSHA's area director in Fort Worth. "OSHA will not tolerate an employer's disregard for workplace safety."
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Source: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=23085
National fruit supplier sentenced after neglecting worker safety
A national fruit and vegetable wholesaler has been sentenced for safety failings after a worker lost the tip of her finger at a processing plant.
The 46 year-old worker was using a vegetable slicing machine when it became blocked. She pressed a stop button and opened a side panel to gain access to a conveyor that took vegetables to the cutting head. As she reached in to clear the blockage, the still-rotating cutting blade caught her right index finger and sliced off the tip to the base of her nail.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Jane Wolfenden said: "The company's failure to put an effective system in place to ensure machines had suitable protection devices and to give the workforce sufficient training put their workers at unnecessary risk. It was almost inevitable that injury would result. I hope that this prosecution results in the firm taking their responsibilities far more seriously in the future."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-ldn-17912.htm
The 46 year-old worker was using a vegetable slicing machine when it became blocked. She pressed a stop button and opened a side panel to gain access to a conveyor that took vegetables to the cutting head. As she reached in to clear the blockage, the still-rotating cutting blade caught her right index finger and sliced off the tip to the base of her nail.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Jane Wolfenden said: "The company's failure to put an effective system in place to ensure machines had suitable protection devices and to give the workforce sufficient training put their workers at unnecessary risk. It was almost inevitable that injury would result. I hope that this prosecution results in the firm taking their responsibilities far more seriously in the future."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-ldn-17912.htm
Truck company fined over worker's life-changing injuries
A firm has been prosecuted after one of its employees suffered life-changing injuries when he fell from a stepladder while spray-painting a lorry.
The Health and Safety Executive investigation found that the same employee had fallen off a stepladder just one month before the incident, but no action had been taken to improve safety at the site.
The worker had been painting the lorry when one of the feet on the stepladder slipped down a grill in the concrete floor. He fell approximately two metres and shattered his left shoulder and collar bone, broke several ribs and received a deep cut to his head.
HSE Inspector Kim Tichias said: "The dangers of carrying out work at height are well known and the company should have provided secure working platforms rather than giving employees lightweight stepladders. If the firm had planned the work properly and made changes following the previous incident, then the worker's injuries could have been avoided."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-e-98.htm
The Health and Safety Executive investigation found that the same employee had fallen off a stepladder just one month before the incident, but no action had been taken to improve safety at the site.
The worker had been painting the lorry when one of the feet on the stepladder slipped down a grill in the concrete floor. He fell approximately two metres and shattered his left shoulder and collar bone, broke several ribs and received a deep cut to his head.
HSE Inspector Kim Tichias said: "The dangers of carrying out work at height are well known and the company should have provided secure working platforms rather than giving employees lightweight stepladders. If the firm had planned the work properly and made changes following the previous incident, then the worker's injuries could have been avoided."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-e-98.htm
Monday, October 1, 2012
130 workplace deaths in Australia so far in 2012
As of 24 September, 130 Australian workers have died at work. During the same period last year, 120 deaths had occurred. Safe Work Australia records cases of work fatality and injury, updates statistics and prepares several reports.
Worker deaths by industry as of September 24, 2012:
Transport, postal and warehousing (42)
Agriculture, forestry and fishing (27)
Construction (19)
Manufacturing (9)
Administrative and support services (6)
Arts and recreation services (4)
Mining (4)
Public administration and safety (3)
Electricity, gas, water and waste services (2)
Wholesale trade (2)
Retail trade (2)
Education and training (2)
Other services (2)
Health care and social assistance (1)
Financial and insurance services (1)
Professional, scientific and technical services (1)
Industry unknown (3)
The data is only an initial estimate for the number of people killed. More information can be found at the Safe Work Australia website.
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Source: http://www.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php
Worker deaths by industry as of September 24, 2012:
Transport, postal and warehousing (42)
Agriculture, forestry and fishing (27)
Construction (19)
Manufacturing (9)
Administrative and support services (6)
Arts and recreation services (4)
Mining (4)
Public administration and safety (3)
Electricity, gas, water and waste services (2)
Wholesale trade (2)
Retail trade (2)
Education and training (2)
Other services (2)
Health care and social assistance (1)
Financial and insurance services (1)
Professional, scientific and technical services (1)
Industry unknown (3)
The data is only an initial estimate for the number of people killed. More information can be found at the Safe Work Australia website.
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Source: http://www.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php
Recycling company sentenced over worker's death
A recycling company has been ordered to pay £240,000 in fines and costs after a worker was killed at a factory.
The 31-year-old worker was last seen alive by his colleagues in the early hours of the morning on 24 November 2005. The HSE investigation concluded that the most likely cause of his death was that he fell into a machine while checking to see if it was running smoothly.
The company failed to take steps to prevent access to the machine while it was operating, and failed to ensure power to the machine was cut before maintenance work was carried out. The company also had an inadequate risk assessment in place and its training, supervision and monitoring of the work did not meet acceptable standards.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Principal Inspector Tanya Stewart said:
"This was a tragic death that could have been prevented if the company had put more thought into the safety of its employees and the adequacy of its working practices. I hope this case will act as a warning to companies to think more carefully about the safety of workers who clean, maintain or repair machines or who clear blockages."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-jfcplastics.htm
The 31-year-old worker was last seen alive by his colleagues in the early hours of the morning on 24 November 2005. The HSE investigation concluded that the most likely cause of his death was that he fell into a machine while checking to see if it was running smoothly.
The company failed to take steps to prevent access to the machine while it was operating, and failed to ensure power to the machine was cut before maintenance work was carried out. The company also had an inadequate risk assessment in place and its training, supervision and monitoring of the work did not meet acceptable standards.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Principal Inspector Tanya Stewart said:
"This was a tragic death that could have been prevented if the company had put more thought into the safety of its employees and the adequacy of its working practices. I hope this case will act as a warning to companies to think more carefully about the safety of workers who clean, maintain or repair machines or who clear blockages."
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-jfcplastics.htm
2012 WorkSafe Awards Finalists Announced
Finalists for the 24th annual WorkSafe Victoria Awards have been announced following a record number of entries in 2012.
The awards attracted 286 entries from across Victoria, with 35 finalists from a range of industries and workplaces chosen across nine categories, representing safety, health and wellbeing and return to work.
WorkSafe Acting Chief Executive Ian Forsyth said that the strong interest in the awards demonstrated the value Victorian employers and workers place on making workplaces safe and supporting people who are injured at work. “Through their efforts, [the finalists] are not only improving the health and safety of their colleagues, but helping make Victoria a safer state in which to work."
"Victoria has Australia’s safest workplaces, recording a record low injury rate for 2011/12, and its employers pay the lowest premiums for workplace injury insurance; however this will only continue if high safety standards are maintained.”
Winners will be announced at an awards presentation on 1 November, during Work Safe Week.
For more information about the WorkSafe Awards, to view the finalists’ and their entries or to register to attend the free awards presentation, visit www.worksafeawards.com.au
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Source: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/component/k2/item/258-worksafe-awards-finalists-announced.html
The awards attracted 286 entries from across Victoria, with 35 finalists from a range of industries and workplaces chosen across nine categories, representing safety, health and wellbeing and return to work.
WorkSafe Acting Chief Executive Ian Forsyth said that the strong interest in the awards demonstrated the value Victorian employers and workers place on making workplaces safe and supporting people who are injured at work. “Through their efforts, [the finalists] are not only improving the health and safety of their colleagues, but helping make Victoria a safer state in which to work."
"Victoria has Australia’s safest workplaces, recording a record low injury rate for 2011/12, and its employers pay the lowest premiums for workplace injury insurance; however this will only continue if high safety standards are maintained.”
Winners will be announced at an awards presentation on 1 November, during Work Safe Week.
For more information about the WorkSafe Awards, to view the finalists’ and their entries or to register to attend the free awards presentation, visit www.worksafeawards.com.au
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Source: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/component/k2/item/258-worksafe-awards-finalists-announced.html
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Fines of $162,400 proposed for New Jersey company cited with 18 health and safety violations
A New Jersey company is facing fines of up to $162,400 after it was cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration with 18 alleged safety and health violations at the company's warehouse.
Citations have been issued for two willful violations that involve permitting employees to ride on the forks of forklifts and a failure to provide fall protection on platforms. Other violations include locked or sealed emergency exit doors, improperly labelled doors, the improper storage of liquid propane tanks, unsafe material storage, exposing employees to live electrical parts, failing to implement a hazard communication program and failing to provide training or material safety data sheets to employees handling hazardous chemicals.
"These violations reflect the company's lax attitude toward workplace safety and health," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Area Office. "Without the proper safeguards in place, employees are vulnerable to accidents that can cause injuries and even death."
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Source: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=23013
Citations have been issued for two willful violations that involve permitting employees to ride on the forks of forklifts and a failure to provide fall protection on platforms. Other violations include locked or sealed emergency exit doors, improperly labelled doors, the improper storage of liquid propane tanks, unsafe material storage, exposing employees to live electrical parts, failing to implement a hazard communication program and failing to provide training or material safety data sheets to employees handling hazardous chemicals.
"These violations reflect the company's lax attitude toward workplace safety and health," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Area Office. "Without the proper safeguards in place, employees are vulnerable to accidents that can cause injuries and even death."
Vocam Training Videos
Safety Awareness
Warehousing and Storage Safety Essentials
Forklift Safety Essentials
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Safety Awareness– E-learning
Forklift Safety Essentials – E-learning
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Source: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=23013
Three serious workplace safety incidents in the last week prompt safety plea
WorkSafe Commissioner Mark McCabe urged workers and bosses to take care at work after two workers have been injured in workplace falls and a construction site has been shut down in Canberra in the last week.
A workman was taken to hospital with suspected spinal injuries and broken bones after a four-metre fall from a ladder at a house he was painting. In a separate accident, a 20-year-old apprentice electrician suffered an electric shock and fell five metres from a ladder on to a concrete pavement.
An inner city building site has also been shut down because of fears over asbestos handling. The building union stopped work on the site, alleging that a load of rubble contaminated with asbestos had been rejected at the tip because it was not sealed properly. ''We just hope that fibres weren't flying off this thing all the way from Civic to Symonston and back” the union's branch secretary Dean Hall said. He also said workers on the site had not been trained and proper safety gear was not being used.
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Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/painter-injured-in-4m-fall-20120926-26l94.html#ixzz27cdRKc8K
A workman was taken to hospital with suspected spinal injuries and broken bones after a four-metre fall from a ladder at a house he was painting. In a separate accident, a 20-year-old apprentice electrician suffered an electric shock and fell five metres from a ladder on to a concrete pavement.
An inner city building site has also been shut down because of fears over asbestos handling. The building union stopped work on the site, alleging that a load of rubble contaminated with asbestos had been rejected at the tip because it was not sealed properly. ''We just hope that fibres weren't flying off this thing all the way from Civic to Symonston and back” the union's branch secretary Dean Hall said. He also said workers on the site had not been trained and proper safety gear was not being used.
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Hazardous Chemicals: GHS Classification and Communication
Slips, Trips and Falls
Height Safety Essentials
Hazardous Substances Safety Essentials
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Slips, Trips and Falls – E-learning
Height Safety Essentials – E-learning
Hazardous Chemicals: GHS Classification and Communication - E-Learning
Hazardous Substances Safety Essentials - E-Learning
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Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/painter-injured-in-4m-fall-20120926-26l94.html#ixzz27cdRKc8K
Monday, September 24, 2012
£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."
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Electrical Safety Essentials
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Leadership: Being Proactive in Safety – E-learning
Safety Awareness – E-learning
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-learning
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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-ldn-200912.htm
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
Workplace accidents can happen to anybody - WHSQ film warns of safety risks
‘Workplace accidents can happen to anybody, not just middle-aged men’ is the message of the new film by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
'In it for the long haul: The Tiffany Ward story' is about making sure that young workers are able to return home safely to family and friends at the end of their working day. All workers and employers need to be aware of the unique risk profile young people have which makes them vulnerable in the workplace.
At 18, Tiffany Ward was severely injured at work when both of her arms were caught in a potato processing auger. It took emergency crews more than 40 minutes to free her and led to more than 30 hours of surgery to save her life and arms.
Now 22 and married with two children, Tiffany has shared her story to make workers more aware that a workplace incident can have life-long consequences. The film describes Tiffany's battle to live with the financial, physical and emotional consequences of her injury.
To view WHSQ’s video or for more information, visit In it for the long haul: The Tiffany Ward story
For information on Vocam safety and HR training videos and e-learning courses visit our website.
Source: http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/tiffany/index.htm
'In it for the long haul: The Tiffany Ward story' is about making sure that young workers are able to return home safely to family and friends at the end of their working day. All workers and employers need to be aware of the unique risk profile young people have which makes them vulnerable in the workplace.
At 18, Tiffany Ward was severely injured at work when both of her arms were caught in a potato processing auger. It took emergency crews more than 40 minutes to free her and led to more than 30 hours of surgery to save her life and arms.
Now 22 and married with two children, Tiffany has shared her story to make workers more aware that a workplace incident can have life-long consequences. The film describes Tiffany's battle to live with the financial, physical and emotional consequences of her injury.
To view WHSQ’s video or for more information, visit In it for the long haul: The Tiffany Ward story
For information on Vocam safety and HR training videos and e-learning courses visit our website.
Source: http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/tiffany/index.htm
Thursday, September 20, 2012
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."
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For more information on this workplace health and safety news, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-cmeceilings.htm
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
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Slips, Trips and Falls – E-learning
Height Safety Essentials – E-learning
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks – E-learning
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-learning
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For more information on this workplace health and safety news, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-cmeceilings.htm
Companies should establish a social media policy, according to new survey results
Businesses that haven't already set up policies about how their staff use social media in the workplace should do so quickly or risk becoming irrelevant to job seekers, according to the Hays Tomorrow’s Workforce report.
The results suggest while businesses don't need to spend a disproportionate amount of time creating a social media policy, it will still affect how potential employees see the company and affect your reputation.
• 19.7% of job seekers would consider turning down a job if they didn't have "reasonable access" to social media sites during work hours.
• 44.3% of employers believe that allowing employees to have access to social media will improve retention levels.
• 25.3% of respondents didn't have a clear idea of how to represent their companies on social media. Businesses have found themselves in hot water over situations where employees have said inappropriate things on Facebook or Twitter, reflecting badly on the company.
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Social Media, Email and Online Etiquette
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Social Media, Email and Online Etiquette – E-learning
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For more information on this HR news, visit Smart Company’s article. Source: http://www.smartcompany.com.au/managing-people/051902-workplace-policies-on-social-media-essential-as-survey-reveals-one-fifth-of-job-seekers-want-full-access.html
The results suggest while businesses don't need to spend a disproportionate amount of time creating a social media policy, it will still affect how potential employees see the company and affect your reputation.
• 19.7% of job seekers would consider turning down a job if they didn't have "reasonable access" to social media sites during work hours.
• 44.3% of employers believe that allowing employees to have access to social media will improve retention levels.
• 25.3% of respondents didn't have a clear idea of how to represent their companies on social media. Businesses have found themselves in hot water over situations where employees have said inappropriate things on Facebook or Twitter, reflecting badly on the company.
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Social Media, Email and Online Etiquette
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Social Media, Email and Online Etiquette – E-learning
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For more information on this HR news, visit Smart Company’s article. Source: http://www.smartcompany.com.au/managing-people/051902-workplace-policies-on-social-media-essential-as-survey-reveals-one-fifth-of-job-seekers-want-full-access.html
Monday, September 17, 2012
Company fined after worker suffers severe hand injuries from a badly-guarded machine
A company has been fined for safety breaches after a worker suffered severe injuries to his hand when it was trapped in a badly-guarded laminating machine.
The 36-year-old agency worker had his left hand drawn into the rollers as he was feeding paper through the machine. His little and ring fingers were left hanging off and his middle finger was lacerated down its entire length. He was in hospital for four days and needed two operations.
After the hearing, HSE Inspector Mark Welsh said: "Being drawn into machines because of inadequate guarding - and even a total absence of guarding - happens far too regularly in manufacturing industries. In this case the guarding was insufficient as it didn't prevent access to the drawing-in/crush hazard between the pairs of rollers or the roller and plasterboard."
“The company hadn't properly identified the risks to its workers from the rollers. The importance of robust safeguards to protect workers from getting too close to dangerous moving machinery cannot be overstated."
For more information on this occupational health and safety news, visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-yh-16412.htm
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The 36-year-old agency worker had his left hand drawn into the rollers as he was feeding paper through the machine. His little and ring fingers were left hanging off and his middle finger was lacerated down its entire length. He was in hospital for four days and needed two operations.
After the hearing, HSE Inspector Mark Welsh said: "Being drawn into machines because of inadequate guarding - and even a total absence of guarding - happens far too regularly in manufacturing industries. In this case the guarding was insufficient as it didn't prevent access to the drawing-in/crush hazard between the pairs of rollers or the roller and plasterboard."
“The company hadn't properly identified the risks to its workers from the rollers. The importance of robust safeguards to protect workers from getting too close to dangerous moving machinery cannot be overstated."
For more information on this occupational health and safety news, visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-yh-16412.htm
Vocam Training Videos
Risk Assessment for Industry
Lockout/Tagout: Making it Safe
Risk Management Safety Essentials
Hand Aware
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Lockout Tagout - E-Learning
Risk Management Safety Essentials – E-Learning
Safety Awareness - E-Learning
Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.
$97,500 fine for rat and cockroach infested take-away restaurant
A takeaway restaurant in Sydney was fined $97,500 after health inspectors found dead rats in the kitchen, a cockroach infestation and "accumulated grime".
The owners of the business pleaded guilty to 13 counts of failing to comply with the Food Standards Code. The council asked the Magistrate to hand down a strong penalty against the operators that would deter other food business owners who put public health at risk.
“The defendant company has placed members of the public at a greater risk of injury, illness, serious disease or death purely for commercial gain” The City said in documents handed to the court.
"The outcome of this case should serve as a warning to food businesses who don’t follow the rules and who put people’s health at risk" City of Sydney chief executive officer Monica Barone said.
For more information on this hospitality and food safety news, visit: Hospitality Magazine - $97,500 fine for rat and roach-infested Sydney take-away
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Source: http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/food/news/$97-500-fine-for-rat-and-roach-infested-sydney-tak
The owners of the business pleaded guilty to 13 counts of failing to comply with the Food Standards Code. The council asked the Magistrate to hand down a strong penalty against the operators that would deter other food business owners who put public health at risk.
“The defendant company has placed members of the public at a greater risk of injury, illness, serious disease or death purely for commercial gain” The City said in documents handed to the court.
"The outcome of this case should serve as a warning to food businesses who don’t follow the rules and who put people’s health at risk" City of Sydney chief executive officer Monica Barone said.
For more information on this hospitality and food safety news, visit: Hospitality Magazine - $97,500 fine for rat and roach-infested Sydney take-away
Vocam Training Videos
Food Safety Essentials
Hospitality Essentials
Health and Hygiene Essentials for Industry
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Food Safety Essentials – E-Learning
Health and Hygiene Essentials for Industry – E-Learning
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Source: http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/food/news/$97-500-fine-for-rat-and-roach-infested-sydney-tak
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