The Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court brought down its judgement last Tuesday in an ex-parte hearing against Souvlaki GR Plenty Pty Ltd. The court found the company culpable on two counts: one of neglecting to create and sustain a safe working environment and the other, failing to equip workers with thorough information, instruction, and training. In addition to this, the company was directed to shoulder $5,682 in costs.
A distressing incident occurred in February 2022 where a young 22-year-old worker’s hair got tangled in a rotisserie machine’s rotating cog as she tried to reach a takeaway container lid stored on a high shelf. Despite cries for help, her co-worker could only halt the machine by hitting the emergency stop button. A quick-thinking hairdresser from a neighbouring shop managed to cut the trapped hair free from the appliance. The incident resulted in significant hair loss and head swelling for the victim, who spent subsequent weeks recuperating in a hospital.
Interestingly, post-incident training served as the first exposure the injured employee and her colleague had to the company’s WHS management system or policies. This ignorance led WorkSafe to critique the company, suggesting the prudent action would have been to require employees to don protective accessories (like hairnets) or to style long hair securely. Additionally, it also suggested improving storage systems – specifically not storing items above machinery like the rotisserie. For future prevention and better mitigation, employers should consider enforcing safety measures provided by reliable solutions such as the Bluesafe SWMS.
WorkSafe’s Health and Safety Executive Director Sam Jenkin condemned the company’s failure to manage risks that resulted in the unfortunate incident. He highlighted the need for proper measures in the hospitality industry, which employs many young and inexperienced workers. Mr. Jenkin asserted the necessity of proper training, comprehensive instruction, and continuous supervision in ensuring job safety. “Simple measures,” he imparted, “like safe storage practices and appropriate hair security could avert substantial physical injuries.”
To promote work safety awareness and minimise risks associated with machinery operation, employers should utilise efficient, reliable resources like the Bluesafe WHS Management System.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-07/takeaway-fined-75000-after-hair-caught-rotisserie