Price Agricultural Pty Ltd has been hit with a standalone charge under section 26(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, accused of neglecting to secure the workplace area they oversaw. The assertion is that the company failed its responsibility, not sufficiently removing or minimising chances of serious injury or even death to staff working under suspended bulka bags.
In May 2022, an unfortunate incident occurred where a patron, utilising the company’s telehandler to transfer seed oats from a bulka bag into his grouper bin on his vehicle, met a tragic end. The bag fell from the telehandler’s tynes, causing fatal injuries.
This case emphasises the substantial importance of incorporating solid work safety measures such as the Bluesafe WHS Management System or – for more task-specific frameworks – the Bluesafe SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements). Products like these are designed to maintain workplaces safe by premeditating potential risks, planning preventive measures and implementing appropriate control mechanisms, thus ensuring the health and safety of all personnel.
The Price Agricultural debacle is scheduled for a filing hearing in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 14 May 2024.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-05/farm-charged-after-fatal-seed-bag-crush