Friday 12th February 2021

Weekly Safety News Roundup: Friday 12th February 2021

Workplace safety incidents across Australia and New Zealand made headlines this week, highlighting serious risks in construction, energy infrastructure, and agriculture. Below, we break down three significant cases that safety professionals should note.

Construction Company Charged Over Fall Risk at Correctional Centre

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions has alleged John Holland Pty Ltd failed in its duties under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 after a worker almost fell from a roof.

On 6th February 2019, a labour-hire employee was working on the roof of the maximum-security section of the $700 million Clarence Correctional Centre near Grafton when the incident occurred. The worker stepped on a plywood board covering a five-to-six-metre-deep penetration and partially fell through, sustaining minor injuries.

Following an investigation by regulator Comcare, a single charge has been filed against the construction firm for breaching federal work health and safety laws over the dangerous incident.

• Under the Work Health and Safety Act, this constitutes a Category 2 offence.
• Maximum penalty carries a fine of $1.5 million.
• Matter will be heard in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on 6th April 2021.

Full details are available in the original media release on the Comcare website. For guidance on managing fall risks at height, see our previous safety news coverage.

Hand Severed in Workplace Accident on Wind Farm

On Tuesday, 4th February, a man believed to be in his 30s was involved in a serious workplace accident at the Bango Wind Farm in the NSW Southern Tablelands.

He was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital after his hand was amputated while working on machinery. SafeWork NSW has confirmed inspectors completed a site visit, with an investigation now underway that could take months to complete.

Bango Wind Farm sits on agricultural land approximately 30km north of Yass, NSW, and hosts 46 wind turbines plus associated infrastructure.

Original coverage can be found on the About Regional website.

Nearly Half of Vehicle-Related Farm Fatalities Could Be Avoided

WorkSafe New Zealand has launched a new campaign reminding farmers to buckle up. The largest single factor contributing to fatal work-related accidents on farms was failure to wear seatbelts.

Data analysis completed by WorkSafe NZ found that had a seat belt been worn, nearly half of vehicle-related fatalities could have been avoided.

A new side-by-side vehicle simulator has also launched, allowing drivers to sit in the seat of a retired vehicle and navigate a series of farm safety tasks, starting with putting on a seatbelt.

WorkSafe Engagement Lead for Agriculture Al McCone stated: "Putting on your seatbelt is the simplest task and one we practice easily when driving on the open road. If we can get people doing this on farm as well, we will see lives saved."

WorkSafe NZ has released a new advertisement encouraging seatbelt use in farm vehicles — watch it here. Full article details can be found on the WorkSafe NZ website.

Stay Informed on Workplace Safety Across Australia

These incidents underscore why robust safety documentation and risk management remain critical for employers across every sector. Catch up on more workplace safety news in our latest weekly roundup or browse our recent safety industry updates for further reading.