Steel manufacturer fined for multiple safety failures

The Retired AKZ Pty Ltd company, previously known as AKZ Reinforcing Pty Ltd, was handed multiple fines in the Latrobe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 23 July, following a guilty plea to three charges filed under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The business was additionally compelled to pay costs totalling $15,836.

A specific incident, occurring in November 2020, resulted in a $20,000 fine for the corporation due to their failure to maintain safe plant practices. Evidence presented to the court described how one employee, while manoeuvring a bar on a piece of machinery intended for steel bending, unintentionally initiated the equipment by stepping on the foot pedal. His thumb ended up crushed, losing its protective skin and flesh cover, necessitating skin grafts. The implementation of an interlock button, in association with the foot pedal, allowing for machine activation would have been a practicable safety measure by AKZ. This could decrease the likelihood of severe injuries through entanglement or crushing within exposed hazardous areas. The importance of robust WHS management systems, like the Bluesafe WHS Management System here, becomes starkly apparent.

In August 2021, AKZ received another fine of $32,000 because of insufficient supervision and again failing in providing and maintaining safe plant conditions. An inexperienced worker was severely injured by a bending machine during operation alongside a colleague. Considering his hand placement when the machine started, it became entangled in a drive roller. Consequently, the worker lost part of a little finger and sustained critical crush damage to his ring finger. AKZ could have ensured that unqualified machine operators received adequate supervision and installed a dual electronic handpiece system, requiring both workers to hold it for machine activation.

An additional $40,000 fine was issued to AKZ for persisting oversights about safe plant maintenance and (SWMS) Safe Work Methods Statement. A worker operating machinery used for rolling or bending steel into spiral or circular shapes succumbed to severe injuries. His hand was forcefully dragged through a roller resulting in substantial crush damage and the loss of two fingertips.

Practical measures recommended for AKZ included inspection and repair of machinery, particularly this equipment that presented with an obscured view panel and dysfunctional safety lockouts as well as emergency stops. Considering these systematic shortcomings highlights the importance of regular SWMS updates such as those offered in Bluesafe SWMS packages. AKZ’s failure to update their machine’s standard operating procedure compounded its troubles.

WorkSafe Executive Health and Safety Director Sam Jenkin emphasised the negligent attitude of the company towards safety which led to grave worker injuries over three successive years. The hazards related to operating brutish machines intended for shaping steel are apparent. Mr. Jenkin urged employers involved in similar operations to fully consider worker safety and take any requisite actions to mitigate associated risks.

Every worker inherently expects reliable maintenance of machinery they operate, along with adhering to safe working systems. They should also be provided with necessary supervision while performing their assigned tasks safely. Employers managing risk while handling machinery should take note.
For media enquiries:
Email: media@worksafe.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0438 786 968
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-08/steel-manufacturer-fined-multiple-safety-failures

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