Working safely with items of plant
A worker has been seriously injured in a recent incident involving an item of plant in the workplace. The worker was injured while unloading timber, using a self-loading crane. WorkSafe ACT inquiries have identified the following contributing factors:
- The PCBU did not maintain the vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s safe operating requirements and the issues should have been rectified before continuing to use the vehicle.
- The operators did not receive sufficient training or instruction on how to use the plant safely, including how to rigg the load.
- The operator was not wearing the appropriate PPE while performing the task.
- There was no workplace traffic management plan, including no exclusion zone for the mobile plant to be clearly identified and controlled during vehicle loading/unloading operations.
Forklift safety
A worker has sustained significant injuries to his legs after an incident involving a forklift. The worker was injured by a forklift carrying empty palettes, which obstructed the driver’s vision.
WorkSafe ACT reminds all PCBU’s that items of plant should only be used in line with manufacturer’s recommendations and in accordance with the operation manuals and instructions. Any worker operating a forklift vehicle must receive the appropriate training and needs to obtain a High-Risk Work Licence for forklift operations in the workplace.
Working safely in enclosed spaces
WorkSafe ACT was recently alerted to an incident involving possible carbon monoxide poisoning in an enclosed space.
An activated fire alarm alerted emergency services to attend the premises, where they found several workers using petrol powered pressure washers and blowers to clean an underground carpark. This resulted in high levels of carbon monoxide in the carpark, with the potential to cause serious injury or death to the workers.
WorkSafe ACT reminds all PCBUs to know their work health and safety obligations to minimise and eliminate risks to their workers. Safe systems of work must be in place to make sure workers are protected from health and safety hazards.
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