Thursday 15th April 2021

WorkSafe VIC issue safety alert following death of plant operator. 

WorkSafe Victoria has issued a reminder regarding the risks associated with operating plant with inadequate guarding.

The recent safety alert comes after a worker was fatally injured while operating a hay bale pressing machine.

Entanglement or crush injuries are significantly increased when the guarding on plant is missing, broken, has been removed or is not adequately secured.

Loose items such as clothing, personal protective equipment, hair or accessories such as tool belts increase the risk of becoming entangled and pulled towards moving parts of the plant.

To reduce the risks associated with operating plant, WorkSafe VIC is reminding all to:

• perform risk assessments to identify hazards
• ensure guards are fitted to prevent access to any moving parts
• shut down plant when servicing, maintenance of cleaning
• inspect guards for damage and repair while plant is shut down
• provide information, instruction, and training on identifying hazards associated with moving and rotating plant and how to safely operate plant and control risk.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employers must so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to the health of employees and independent contractors.

For more details on this alert, head to the WorkSafe VIC website.

Asbestos concerns after cyclone in Western Australia. 

Twenty-five per cent of buildings recently affected by cyclone Seroja in Western Australia contains asbestos.

Residents of Kalbarri have been warned of the serious issue that impacts the community. Asbestos roofs, walls, and fences thrown everywhere will be a major clean-up for the town.

Emergency workers wearing protective masks are going house to house looking for the presence of asbestos before clean-up crews can start.

Asbestos is a silent killer. Exposure to asbestos can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Read the full article on the 7NEWS website.