On Thursday, the 19th of December, the Frankston Magistrates’ Court addressed an instance involving Winslow Infrastructure Pty Ltd. The company had committed to an enforceable undertaking whilst dealing with two charges. These charges included failure to provide a safe workspace and failing to safely install or commission plant without health risks.
The enforcement entity WorkSafe holds the right to restore these charges if the undertaking is breached or retracted. In February 2023, the company experienced a workplace incident during the completion of the Lanthams Road Upgrade operation in Carrum Downs. A total of 23 traffic management barriers along with attached fencing, used to demarcate pedestrian pathways, overturned, resulting in severe injury to a worker on site when she was walking past.
The unfortunate worker became stuck beneath the barriers and suffered serious injuries: six fractured ribs, a broken collarbone, two collapsed lungs, and a clot in one lung. Investigations led to the conclusion that the company fell short in adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions which explicitly stated to fill such barriers with water.
To ensure businesses avoid such needless incidents, they can utilise a range of workplace safety tools. For instance, implementing a quality WHS management system like Bluesafe WHS Management System could significantly reduce potential hazards in workplaces.
WorkSafe points out that it would have been reasonably feasible for Winslow Infrastructure to incorporate a safe work procedure for erecting and maintaining traffic management barriers. Adherence to systems like Bluesafe SWMS might have prevented such catastrophic events.
As a result of this fiasco, the undertaking that’s estimated to be worth $300,000 now mandates the company for:
WorkSafe’s Executive Director of Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin, classified this incident as a severe failure in following rudimentary safety procedures. He emphasised the importance of establishments creating solid systems to maintain safety and following manufacturer’s guidelines.
Jenkin mentioned his relief at seeing the company making progress to enhance safety measures not only among its own workforce but in the wider community as well.
For more details on safety measures, businesses can refer to the Bluesafe WHS Management system. The system offers comprehensive guides and tools to ensure employee safety and minimise potential risks at work.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-12/300000-safety-spend-after-worker-crushed-barriers