Thursday 15th April 2021

WorkSafe VIC Issues Safety Alert Following Death of Plant Operator

WorkSafe Victoria has issued a reminder regarding risks associated with operating plant with inadequate guarding. This alert, published Thursday 15th April 2021, follows a fatal incident involving a hay bale pressing machine.

The recent safety alert comes after a worker was fatally injured while operating the machine. Entanglement or crush injuries increase significantly when guarding on plant is missing, broken, has been removed or isn't adequately secured.

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

Key Actions to Reduce Plant Operation Risks

To reduce risks associated with operating plant, WorkSafe VIC reminds employers and workers to:

• Perform risk assessments to identify hazards
• Ensure guards are fitted to prevent access to any moving parts
• Shut down plant when servicing, maintaining or cleaning
• Inspect guards for damage and repair while plant remains shut down
• Provide information, instruction, and training on identifying hazards associated with moving and rotating plant, plus guidance on how to safely operate plant and control risk

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employers must, so far as reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a working environment safe and without risks to the health of employees and independent contractors. Maintaining proper machine guarding remains a fundamental obligation under workplace health legislation.

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 contain asbestos, raising serious health concerns for residents and clean-up crews alike.

Residents of Kalbarri have been warned of a serious issue impacting the community. Asbestos roofs, walls, and fences scattered across the region present a major clean-up challenge for the town.

Emergency workers wearing protective masks are searching house to house for signs of asbestos before clean-up crews can begin their work.

Asbestos remains a silent killer. Exposure can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, underscoring why thorough inspection before demolition or removal work protects long-term health outcomes for everyone involved.

Read the full article on the 7NEWS website.

For further updates on workplace safety incidents and regulatory alerts, check our previous roundups including Thursday 8th April 2021, Thursday 22nd April 2021, and Thursday 29th April 2021 for the latest information affecting construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors nationwide.