06:08 am, Saturday 29 September, 2007

Source: Fairfax

WorkCover is investigating how a man came to be crushed by half a tonne of glass inside a shipping container in Sydney’s south-west.

Police say the 33-year-old man was working inside the container at Padstow about 1.30pm (AEST) on Friday when he was pinned to a wall by sheets of glass, weighing about 500kg, suffering massive injuries.

Ambulance rescue officers took some time to free and treat the man before he was taken to Liverpool Hospital where he remained in a critical condition in intensive care on Saturday.

OHS NEWS TIP - Loading & Unloading Shipping Container Safety Procedure

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07:00 am, Friday 28 September, 2007

Source: The Territory News

A TEENAGER has had a part of one of his toes sliced off by a 400tonne steel pylon while working on Darwin’s billion-dollar waterfront development.

The Northern Territory News understands his right foot was hit by the pylon as it was being driven into the ground by a pile driver.

The steel cap of the 17-year-old apprentice’s boot became embedded in his toes because of the impact.

A witness said the young man’s foot began to “haemorrhage” and said it looked “pretty grotesque”.

“It looked bad, but once it was all cleaned up, the circulation came back and he had only lost a section of his toe.

“He is very lucky he never lost his foot.

“I’d say the steel cap boots did their job in this case.”

The teenager was rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital by St John ambulance.

He was still in hospital yesterday — a week after the incident, which happened on the site along Kitchener Dr about 3.30pm last Wednesday.

He declined to comment to the media last night.

It is believed the pile driver operator could not see the apprentice when he was given the signal to drop the pile as he had bent down to pick up something he had dropped on the ground.

Police and ambulance crews attended the scene. NT Worksafe is investigating.

The incident is among a string of industrial accidents that have happened on Territory work sites — including on the Waterfront project — in the past few years.

Welder Cameron Stewart Bradley, 23, was electrocuted and died while working on a Waterfront project pontoon in February last year.

An investigation was launched two days after he died and two companies — McMahon Contractors Pty Ltd and Hays Personnel Service Pty Ltd — were later fined nearly $50,000.

In Nhulunbuy, the Alcan Gove site has been in the spotlight after 33-year-old Darwin man Daniel Aaron Burman died when he fell off an elevated platform in April this year.

And in January a man was medivaced from the plant to Royal Darwin Hospital after suffering severe lime and steam burns to his hands.

OHS NEWS TIP - Concrete Pylon Safe Work Procedure

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12:00 am, Friday 28 September, 2007

WorkSafe Vic

A Craigieburn man was today fined for fraudulently obtaining more than $6,100 in workplace injury compensation payments and for making false declarations in relation to his workplace injury claim.

The Broadmeadows Magistrates Court heard that Emmanual Ioane was working as a storeman at an IGA Distribution Centre in Laverton North in 2006 when he injured his back while lifting a box. Mr Ioane’s claim for compensation was accepted and he received weekly compensation payments.

Evidence revealed however, that while in receipt of compensation payments, Mr Ioane was working as a security guard at various pubs and clubs in Prahran. He did not disclose this when he submitted his workplace injury claim form. Throughout the duration of his claim, Mr Ioane also continued to formally declare that he was not engaging in any form of employment.

Mr Ioane pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulently obtaining payments under the Accident Compensation Act 1985 and to two counts of making a false declaration.

He was fined $2,000 and ordered to repay the $6,166.18 in compensation he obtained fraudulently.

In addressing the court, Magistrate Ross Betts said this case was a serious matter and that the integrity of the WorkSafe system needed to be protected by the law as “fraud pollutes the whole system”.

WorkSafe Executive Director, Len Boehm, said identifying and prosecuting fraud cases helps to protect honest workers and employers, and maintains the integrity of the Victorian scheme.

“This case is an eye-opening reminder of the consequences of dishonesty.

“While most workers are honest, a case like this can threaten to undermine community confidence and support in the workplace injury compensation system.”

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12:00 am, Wednesday 26 September, 2007

Source: Fairfax

A 37-year-old pilot has died after his helicopter crashed during a cattle muster in Western Australia’s far north, authorities say.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) air crash investigators from Canberra are expected to arrive on Wednesday at the crash site near Wyndham.

WA safety watchdog WorkSafe would assist the ATSB with the investigation, said WorkSafe Commissioner Nina Lyhne.

Ms Lyhne said any work-related death was a tragedy and she sent her condolences to the pilot’s family.

Police spokesman Ian Hasleby said the pilot was the only person in the chopper when it crashed on Doongan Station, 150km west of Wyndham, at about 7.30am (WST) on Tuesday.

“The pilot, (who) was the only person on board, was believed to be in his late 30s (and) was killed during the crash,” Mr Hasleby said.

A bushfire that was ignited when the two-seater helicopter crashed and burst into flames was put out by the station owners.

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12:00 am, Wednesday 26 September, 2007

Source: Worksafe Vic

Using air compressors to inflate small tyres could lead to serious injuries, WorkSafe has warned.

A 27-year-old Warrnambool man last week lost an eye and suffered a head injury after a new wheel-barrow wheel exploded as he inflated it using a compressor at a local business.

He was flown to the Alfred Hospital.

The wheel-barrow wheel was made up of two rim halves which were bolted together. It is thought one of the rim-halves may have hit the man in the head as the tube exploded.

A 73-year-old man died in Melbourne in November 1997 when a wheel-barrow tyre exploded and hit him in the chest as he inflated it at a Melbourne service station.

WorkSafe’s Executive Director, John Merritt, said these incidents should not be dismissed as ‘freak ‘accidents’.

“Wheel-barrow wheels are typically sold as a complete unit and should be inflated using a hand pump.

“Compressors in workshops or at service stations are designed to inflate car and truck tyres, or operate a piece of equipment. They should be used for the purpose intended.

Recognising the dangers of compressed air explosions, professional car and truck tyre fitters often have access to cages in which tyres are inflated.

WorkSafe’s investigation into last week’s incident is at an early stage. Inspectors have visited the incident scene and the business which sold the wheel.

WorkSafe recommends:

• using a foot pump rather than compressed air to inflate wheelbarrow or similar tyres;

• only inflating tyres to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer;

• when replacing a wheel assembly use the replacement recommended by the manufacturer;

• only inflating wheelbarrow tyres when installed on the wheelbarrow as the frame may provide some protection;

• not inflating tyres on wheels with damaged or rusted rims;

• maintaining compressors and pressure gauges as recommended by the manufacturer(s).

Special note for service station owners and operators:

• Restricting the air pressure at the service station forecourt would help reduce the likelihood of similar accidents. This can be achieved by installing a regulator (plus a safety valve which will vent to atmosphere in the event of failure of the regulator) in the air line.

• Restriction can also be achieved by using automatic tyre inflation equipment. For this type of equipment, the tyre pressure is entered on a display screen and the tyre is automatically inflated to the pressure selected.

• Information signs should be placed at all air points on the forecourt. These signs should give guidance on how to safely inflate tyres. The signs should also warn customers about tyres, or tyre conditions that may represent higher than normal risk.

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12:00 am, Tuesday 25 September, 2007

Source: Herald Sun

RAILCORP in NSW is in the grip of a workplace drugs epidemic, with soaring rates of ecstasy, cannabis and amphetamine use detected among track workers in random tests.

One in 13 contract employees working in critical safety roles on lines failed drugs tests this year, The Daily Telegraph can reveal.

The shock rate of drug use is five times higher than positive detections among RailCorp’s full-time employees on stations and trains.

Detection of “drugs of abuse” has rocketed from one in 18 contract workers in 2005/06 to one in 13 this year, according to 351 test results which were obtained by way of Freedom of Information.

RailCorp’s own employees fail at a rate of less than one in 50.

Random urine tests have detected the presence of methylamphetamines (speed), MDMA (ecstasy) and opiates (heroin) as well as marijuana.

The rising tide of illegal substance use among trackworkers has raised fears, not only for the safety of crews, but puts a question mark over the safety and standard of rail infrastructure across NSW.

RailCorp has spent millions over the past five years implementing safety recommendations from the Glenbrook and Waterfall accident inquiries.

Since downsizing its inhouse trackwork crews in 2004, RailCorp spends about $200 million each year on contract labour.

The rail operator currently has 229 individual companies listed on its books and these have been supplying everything from engineers to labourers.

Last year trackwork crews laid 85,000 new concrete sleepers and 30,000 new timber sleepers, reconstructed more than 50km of track and resurfaced more than 650km of track.

The Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator said employers have to issue rail safety workers with certificates to prove they are of good health and fitness and a fit and proper person.

Rail unions last night said the fragmentation of the infrastructure work force has left the system open to employing and re-employing undesirable workers.

RailCorp denied drug takers were allowed back on the tracks by switching hire companies.

“Drug users are removed from their work, their service is terminated, and their authority to work certificate withdrawn,” human resources general manager Fran Simons said.

“RailCorp will not reissue a certificate to an individual who has failed to comply with standards, and without the certificate they cannot work for RailCorp.”

RailCorp protocol insists that workers are inducted into its zero-tolerance drugs policy at “kick-off” meetings.

“The contractor must attend a kick-off meeting … RailCorp’s representative must provide the initial OH&S induction to the contractor’s nominated key personnel”.

Ms Simons said there was no difference in the approach and enforcement of drugs policy between contract workers and RailCorp’s staff.”

Rail Tram and Bus Union secretary Nick Lewocki said he raised concerns of contract labour with CityRail this year.

“We know there is a huge labour shortage and we know there is more backpackers and other less stable employees working, ” he said.

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01:52 pm, Sunday 23 September, 2007

Source: ABC

WorkSafe Western Australia is waiting to speak to the people who witnessed the death of a 25-year-old man in a Joondalup shopping centre carpark.

The South Korean man was killed about 7:00am WST, at the Lakeside shopping centre.

A WorkSafe inspector was sent to the scene last night, and investigations into the death are continuing.

WorkSafe commissioner Nina Lyhne says it is believed the man was run over by a trailer, which was being used to collect shopping trolleys.

“There is some suggestion that he’s been run over by the trailer but it’s difficult at this stage to be certain until we’ve managed to speak to the people concerned,” she said.

“Naturally the people who were involved in the incident have been very traumatised by it, and we respect that.”

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09:55 am, Friday 21 September, 2007

Source: AAP

Two people are in hospital after inhaling fumes from a hydrochloric acid spill at a business in Sydney’s south-west.

About 100 workers from a transport company were evacuated after 15 litres of the deadly substance spilled at the Ingleburn premises about 8am today.

Firefighters wearing protective gear and breathing from air tanks cleaned up the spill about an hour later.

NSW Ambulance crews treated seven people at the scene for fume inhalation.

Two have been taken by ambulance to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition with minor respiratory complaints.

Workers were allowed to re-enter the premises just after 9am.

OHS NEWS TIP - Chemical Handling Safe Work Procedure

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12:00 am, Thursday 20 September, 2007

Source: ABC News

A Western Power worker has been taken to hospital in a critical condition after receiving an electric shockat the Wembley Downs Primary School.

A spokesman for Saint John’s Ambulance says the man was working at a power box about 9:00 am when the man’s clothes caught fire.

He has burns to 40 per cent of his body.

A co-worker also suffered superficial burns when he tried to put out the fire.

Both men were taken to Royal Perth Hospital.

OHS NEWS TIP - Contractor Permit To Work Form

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12:00 am, Wednesday 19 September, 2007

Source: The Coast Daily

Confusion about the implications and requirements of the Independent Contractors Act, introduced in March this year, still abounds.

But it won’t be an excuse for owners of building and construction companies who potentially face massive fines for non-compliance.

Speaking last Wednesday at a construction industry expo held at Lake Kawana Community Centre, Master Builders Association workplace relations advisor Craig Dearling acknowledged while the act was “very complex for the average person”, by answering three questions it was usually possible to determine whether someone was defined as an employee or a contractor.

Those questions were: 1. Do you pay the person on an hourly rate, or square metre rate? 2. Are they responsible for their own defects? And, 3. Who controls the manner in which the work is performed?

“If the answer to question one is yes, then in 99% of cases the person will be regarded as an employee,” Mr Dearling said.

“But if someone isn’t sure, they should contact their local Master Builders Association office.”

Mr Dearling said if a person was wrongly categorised, a business owner could be liable for WorkCover, tax and superannuation payments.

“It could end up costing hundreds of thousands in liabilities … and WorkCover can fine people 100% of what they owe, going back seven years,” he said.

The presentation was held as part of a mini building and construction industry expo organised by the Area Consultative Committee.

ACC chief executive officer Robert Dunbar said once the idea of a presentation on the Independent Contractors Act was raised, a number of people in the industry suggested holding it in conjunction with a mini expo.

“In recent years the MBA and HIA have both had major expos on the Coast. But neither are doing that this year so we thought we’d do something along those lines,” he said.

“Certainly the people we’ve been speaking to about issues like the Independent Contractors Act and workplace health and safety, have expressed confusion about their obligations.

“So we thought we’d provide a forum for information on those subjects to be provided.”

OHS NEWS TIP - Contractor Permit To Work Form

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