Safe Work NSW issues safety warning over industrial gates

Safe Work NSW Issues Safety Warning Over Industrial Gates

Safe Work NSW has issued a warning to employers about the dangers of industrial gates after two workers were killed and several others injured in incidents involving industrial gates over a five-year span.

SafeWork NSW is reminding those responsible for industrial gates to ensure regular inspections take place, given the risk poor maintenance poses to anyone working nearby.

Why Industrial Gates Pose a Serious Risk

“A lack of maintenance can cause them to fall or become unhinged and cause serious injury or even death,” Safe Work NSW said in a statement.

A 64-year-old man was fatally crushed by a 260kg electric industrial gate in June 2020, highlighting the risk these structures carry when upkeep gets neglected.

Five Years of Incidents Involving Industrial Gates

In the five-year period from 2017 to 2022, incidents involving industrial gates resulted in 17 serious injuries and two deaths. This pattern of incidents underscores why employers must treat gate maintenance as a genuine safety priority rather than a routine chore.

Businesses operating sites with industrial gates should get them checked on a scheduled basis, particularly where staff are working in close proximity to moving or electric-powered gates. Employers who fail to ensure proper checks occur leave workers exposed to preventable risk.

Reducing Risk on Site

Employers can lower risk by pairing gate inspections with broader workplace procedures, such as a Safe Work Method Statement covering plant and equipment hazards. For sites where staff work near heavy machinery, resources like our Winch Safety Safe Work Method Statement or Safety Harness SWMS can support consistent, documented safety practices. Read more on the Safe Work NSW website.