South Australian businesses warned about the dangers of working on energised machinery

South Australian Businesses Warned About the Dangers of Working on Energised Machinery

SafeWork SA is alerting businesses to serious dangers linked to working on energised machinery, following an incident last month that left a worker with life-changing injuries. The regulator's warning highlights how critical proper safety controls remain for any workplace using powered plant or equipment.

SafeWork SA confirmed the worker was cleaning a product tank on April 17 when his leg became trapped in a rotating auger.

"The worker's leg became trapped in the auger resulting in his right leg being amputated below the knee as a result of the incident," SafeWork SA said.

Why Energised Machinery Poses Such Risks

Machinery left energised during cleaning, inspection or repair tasks creates a genuinely dangerous situation for anyone working nearby. Moving parts, rotating augers and hazardous electrical components can cause catastrophic harm within seconds, as this South Australian case tragically demonstrates.

SafeWork SA says businesses should assess risks associated with plant and machinery undergoing routine inspection, repair or cleaning, then implement effective control measures before staff approach any equipment. Isolating power sources and confirming machinery has been safely de-energised remains one of the most reliable ways to prevent these incidents.

Building a Stronger Safety Culture Around Energised Equipment

Reducing dangers tied to energised machinery requires more than a single policy — it demands consistent safety practices across every shift and every worksite. Businesses in construction, manufacturing, automotive and heavy industry sectors face heightened exposure given the volume of powered equipment they operate daily.

Effective safety measures include:

• Isolating and locking out electrical power before maintenance begins
• Conducting risk assessments for all hazardous plant and machinery tasks
• Providing thorough training on safe operating procedures for guarded machinery
• Establishing clear protocols for cleaning, repair and inspection work
• Monitoring compliance with health and safety obligations at every level of operation

Construction sites, automotive workshops and manufacturing plants all rely on machinery that can pose severe hazardous risks when not properly isolated. Automotive businesses handling engine hoists, presses and rotating components share similar exposure to the dangers SafeWork SA has flagged here.

Practical Steps for South Australian Workplaces

South Australian employers carry a clear duty to protect staff from foreseeable harm, including injuries caused by energised machinery. Reviewing existing safety procedures against current codes of practice helps identify gaps before they lead to injury.

Businesses should also consider how utilities and other services intersect with machinery safety, particularly where working near utilities introduces additional electrical hazards. Construction firms managing multiple contractors on site benefit from documented procedures that address both machinery isolation and broader site safety expectations.

SafeWork SA's warning serves as a timely reminder that health outcomes for workers depend heavily on how seriously businesses treat energised equipment risks. Power isolation, staff training and rigorous risk assessment remain the cornerstone of preventing amputations, crush injuries and worse.

For more information, visit the SafeWork SA website.

Strengthening Safety Documentation Across Your Business

Comprehensive safety documentation supports every workplace seeking to reduce dangers associated with energised machinery. SafetyDocs offers resources covering related risks, including our guide to dangers of working at heights and insights into dangers of asbestos exposure for businesses managing multiple hazard categories.

To learn more about how SafetyDocs supports safety-conscious businesses across construction, automotive and manufacturing sectors, visit our About Us page.