WorkSafe New Zealand issues safety alert after hot work incident

A safety alert issued by WorkSafe New Zealand reminds people of the serious health and safety risks involved when carrying out hot work.

WorkSafe issued the alert following a recent incident.

WorkSafe said a worker was recently treated in hospital after a serious incident involving hot work being performed on an oil drum.

The worker suffered minor injuries, but there was potential for more serious injury or a fatality caused by an explosion and/or fire, according to the safety regulator.

According to WorkSafe, the worker assumed the drum contained water and did not bother to check before starting the job.

This incident shows why it is essential for employers to ensure workers are aware of the dangers of hot work.

Additional information on the above safety alert is available on the WorkSafe New Zealand website.