Friday 5th March 2021

Weekly Safety Alert Roundup: Friday 5th March 2021

This week's safety bulletin covers three serious workplace incidents investigated by WorkSafe Victoria and WorkSafe QLD, highlighting critical lessons for construction, agriculture, and civil infrastructure sectors.

Multiple Charges Laid Over Tank Container Fire

An industrial equipment supplier has been charged by WorkSafe Victoria regarding a serious workplace incident at Derrimut.

In May 2019, two workers using an oxy torch inside an ISO tank container were forced to evacuate when diesel residue ignited, causing a fire.

The company allegedly breached four sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Breaches related to failures to maintain safe systems of work, failing to provide information, instruction and training, and failing to notify WorkSafe Victoria immediately after becoming aware of the incident.

The original media release can be found on the WorkSafe Victoria website. Businesses reviewing their obligations at this time should also consider updated workplace safety documentation to avoid similar breaches.

Safety Alert Issued After Two Tractor Rollover Incidents

A farmer died when the tractor he was operating struck a log and rolled in January 2021.

The tractor had been used to pull out a bogged car and complete some spraying before the incident occurred. As the tractor rolled, the farmer was thrown and trapped underneath the rear-mounted chemical tank.

A separate incident happened at a different location just a day earlier. A tractor rolled down the side of a hill, causing two workers to suffer significant injuries.

Exact cause of both incidents remains unidentified, with investigations continuing at the date of this report.

View the full safety alert on the WorkSafe QLD website. For guidance on managing plant and equipment risks in agricultural settings, see our related safety alerts.

Investigations Continue Into Water Truck Operator's Death

A water truck operator was thrown from the cab and trapped underneath the truck when the vehicle rolled over.

Operator who suffered fatal injuries had been working on a civil construction site at the time of the rollover.

QLD WorkSafe inspectors are investigating the incident to determine exact cause.

Full safety alert can be found on the WorkSafe QLD website. Construction site operators seeking further updates can browse our Friday 12th March 2021 safety digest for additional incident reports.

Key Takeaways for Safety Professionals

• Rollover protection systems remain critical for tractor and heavy vehicle operators.
• Immediate notification to WorkSafe following any serious incident stays a legal obligation.
• Proper training, instruction, and information provision reduce risk of ignition-related incidents involving hot work.

These incidents, reported as of 5th March 2021, underscore ongoing risks across heavy industry and agriculture. Safety professionals should stay alert to emerging patterns identified by WorkSafe Victoria and WorkSafe QLD, as similar rollover and hot work hazards continue appearing 5th after 5th month in incident reports nationwide.