In June 2023, a worker was using a skid steer loader with a bucket attached (the loader) while performing yard work. Early investigations showed the worker had lowered the bucket of the loader and entered the bucket.
In August 2023, a worker died when he became trapped between a forklift and a vehicle hoist. Early investigations found that the worker moved in behind a forklift to assist in adjusting chains. It seems the forklift operator reversed the forklift trapping the worker between the rear of the forklift and a vehicle hoist.
IMPORTANT: These findings are not yet confirmed, and investigations are continuing into the exact cause.
The purpose of this safety alert is to highlight that specific fall-arrest systems are required if a continuous vertical ladder is in place for accessing the total length of a crane tower. The Tower crane Code of Practice 2017 (the Code) sets out these requirements.
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In June 2020, a grader was doing road works at a construction site when it struck a worker who suffered serious leg injuries.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Preventing a similar incident
Where powered mobile plant or vehicles are moving in and around the workplace, there is a risk they may come into contact with people. Often when a mobile plant hits a person serious or fatal injury occurs. The risk to people increases when the operator’s visibility is impaired due to travel direction, or size and shape of the plant.
Powered mobile plant includes but is not limited to earthmoving machinery (e.g. rollers, graders, scrapers, and bobcats), excavators, and mobile cranes. People required to work around a powered mobile plant may also be exposed to excessive noise and vibration, as well as hazardous fumes. WHS Regulation requires specific control measures to be implemented by the person with management or control of powered mobile plant at the workplace where it is reasonably practicable to do so.
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In October 2019, a man died on a rural property died after being crushed by the tractor he was operating. Initial findings suggest he was reversing the tractor into a deep excavation, when for reasons yet to be established, the tractor rolled.
In a separate incident a month later, a person was seriously injured when they lost control of a fertiliser spreader on a slope and rolled it over.
IMPORTANT: These findings are not yet confirmed and investigations are continuing into the exact cause.
Preventing a similar incident
Tractors and other agricultural mobile plant are essential for a range of rural operations and activities. They are versatile and can have numerous functions, not only on farms, but many other workplaces. Tractors are safe when operated properly, however, like any equipment, they can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Operating tractors and other items of agricultural mobile plant on uneven ground, slight and steep slopes, edges of depressions, contour banks or water courses presents rollover dangers, as does towing or pulling loads.
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The purpose of this safety alert is to assist businesses in identifying fake (non-certified) respirators and highlight the risks associated with using them.
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In August 2020, a truck driver suffered serious injuries falling from his trailer.
Investigations are continuing.
Preventing a similar incident
The transport industry has a high rate of injuries and fatalities as a result of workers falling from trucks and trailers. The risks of these falls are commonly associated with the design of a vehicle, the equipment used and work practices. Factors associated with the risks of falls from trucks and trailers include but are not limited to:
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure the provision and maintenance of a safe system of work when loading and unloading trucks. Effective risk management starts with a commitment to health and safety from those who operate and manage the business or undertaking.
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In August 2020, a man suffered serious injuries after falling from an earthmoving machine he was apparently doing maintenance on. Early investigations indicate the man fell while exiting the machine.
Investigations are continuing.
Preventing a similar incident
The operation of powered mobile plant which includes but is not limited to earthmoving machinery (e.g. graders, scrapers, bulldozers and excavators) at workplaces, exposes people to a range of health and safety risks. These include:
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In July 2020, a farm worker died after he lost control of a quad bike. It appears he attempted to avoid a kangaroo and lost control of the vehicle.
Preventing a similar incident
Quad bikes are popular for work and recreational use because of their perceived versatility and ease of operation. They are commonly used for mustering, spraying and towing on farms; for recreational activities on private properties; and adventure tourism.
If not operated correctly, quad bikes can pose significant safety risks.
Quad bikes can be unstable due to their lightweight and high center of gravity. The risk of a rollover or collision is increased on steep or rough terrain, riding across slopes, or at speed. In most cases, injuries and fatalities result from asphyxiation or crush or head injuries, when the operator is trapped under, or thrown from, the quad bike.
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In June 2020, a worker suffered crush injuries to his arms and hands after an excavator bucket collided with waste oil drums while he was preparing to attach lifting equipment.
Investigations are continuing.
Preventing a similar incident
A mobile plant (other than a mobile crane) may be used as a mobile crane to lift or lower freely suspended loads (i.e. the load is not pinned to the boom but is suspended from the boom by means of a chain or rope). A mobile plant that is sometimes used in this way include forklifts and earth-moving machinery such as backhoes, front-end loaders, and excavators. Unlike cranes, these types of mobile plants are not specifically designed to lift or suspend loads. It is important to note that when a mobile plant (other than a mobile crane) is used as a mobile crane, the level of safety provided by the lifting set-up should be at least equal to that when a mobile crane is used.
There are significant risks associated with using plant that lifts or suspends loads, and severe injuries can result from unsafe use. Specific controls are required for this plant including but not limited to s219 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.
Read more… (“QLD Govt eSafe Incident Alert”)