$561,400 safety undertaking follows worker’s hand amputation

The Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday 2 October that the company had entered into the undertaking while facing two charges of failing to ensure people other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks. WorkSafe can reinstate the charges if the undertaking is breached or withdrawn.

The incident occurred in February 2022 during drain rehabilitation works. The worker was removing residue from the concrete pump mixer when their hand became caught in the mixing hopper, resulting in amputation.

The mixer was fitted with guarding, but it needed to be removed to clean the hopper area. No interlocks were installed to protect against an unexpected start-up while the guarding was off.

WorkSafe alleges the company could reasonably practicably have controlled the entanglement risk by installing an interlocked guard or using a high-pressure hose to remove residue. Where cleaning required the guarding to be removed, another measure was a lock-out, tag-out procedure.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said inadequately guarded machinery exposed workers to significant risks. “Unfortunately when machinery is not properly guarded it's often a matter of when, not if, a serious and potentially life-changing incident will occur,” Mr Jenkin said.

Mr Jenkin said the undertaking would bring significant safety improvements within the company and the wider industry, including better support for students and vulnerable workers.

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