Safety dot-point Sunday No. 14

The power of Three this week. Some info that caught my eye (relevant to my work) from the various Work Health and Safety Regulator media outlets within Australia. The power of Three this week.

SafeWork SA: Labour Hire Workers Leg Crushed in Trench Collapse.

The host employer wrongly allowed a long narrow unprotected trench more than 1.5m deep to have a worker in it, contrary to law and contrary to its own SWMS (safe work method statement).

The worker had been engaged to assist with the work through a labour hire company and was using a shovel to level the base of the trench and a laser to measure depth when the trench collapsed.

The worker was hospitalised for eight weeks and underwent multiple surgeries on his severely injured left leg, ankle and foot, including the amputation of his big toe.

The serious injuries sustained by the worker could have been easily prevented if the 1.6m deep trench was benched, battered or shored as required by the WHS regulations and Code of Practice.

A technical expert engaged by SafeWork SA found the collapse was caused by a combination of unfavourable factors including significant weakening of the ground from the recent excavation of a service pit.

The risks associated with trenching and their preventative measures are well known and documented within the industry,’ Magistrate Lieschke said.

The host employer wrongly allowed a long narrow unprotected trench more than 1.5m deep to have a worker in it, contrary to law and contrary to its own SWMS (safe work method statement). LINK

Lung Foundation Australia: Silica Dust Resource

Lung Foundation Australia have collated resources in the fight against Silica dust. Including, videos, Quiz’s, Toolboxes and others, across the Construction, Manufacturing, Mining & Quarrying, and Tunnelling industries. Primarily for workers, but also useful for businesses that need improved awareness. LINK

RHSQ: Uncontrolled fall of plant during maintenance operations

Watch this 3.40sec animation highlighting the risks of an uncontrolled fall of plant during maintenance operations involving heavy machinery like the Caterpillar D10 Dozer. Incrementally improving Toolbox Talks, Safety Shares, or Event Learnings. LINK