Kellogg Australia incurred a penalty of $510,000, as imposed by NSW’s authority on workplace safety, SafeWork NSW. The ruling followed from an unfortunate event dated 3rd March 2023 which involved a truck colliding into a loading dock and hitting a scissor lift carrying two employees. While one person experienced fractures in the pelvic and vertebral areas, his colleague endured a fractured hand due to their four-metre fall in the scissor lift.
Acknowledging its guilt under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), Kellogg (Aust) Pty Ltd failed to uphold its obligations under section 19(1) of the same Act. The full judgement can be read on the NSW Caselaw site.
Kellogg (Aust) Pty Ltd can choose to appeal against this sentencing.
Numerous resources are available to employers and workers to help manage potential risks associated with operating plant machinery. These can be accessed via the SafeWork NSW website. Additionally, if there are any concerns regarding work health and safety, workers can anonymously get in touch with SafeWork on 13 10 50 or visit the Speak Up Save Lives website. Using effective work safety products like WHS management systems or SWMS could greatly reduce such incidences. One such product, the Bluesafe SWMS is incredibly beneficial in creating and maintaining safe workplaces.
Sophie Cotsis, the Minister for Work Health and Safety asserts, “Zero-tolerances exists for endangering worker safety. The government, employers, and unions have a crucial role in safeguarding workers. Consequently, the Minns Labor Government launched SafeWork NSW as an independent regulator, explicitly signifying that workplace safety is non-negotiable. We are currently establishing a new advisory council at SafeWork NSW to incorporate diverse viewpoints from workers, industries, experts, unions, and injured workers.”
Accidents involving moving plants or vehicles or injuries due to working with stationary machinery can be prevented. These hazards cut across our state and all industrial sectors,” comments SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer. She further adds, “For areas requiring redress this year under SafeWork NSW’s regulatory priorities, injuries arising from mobile plants, vehicles, or fixed machinery are highlighted.” Ensuring safe work operations through structured procedures like Bluesafe WHS Management System, along with risk awareness and evaluations, is the key to reducing such occurrences related to moving plants.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/kellogg-australia-fined-$510,000-over-worker-injuries
