Buller Wines Pty Ltd was held answerable in the Wodonga Magistrates’ Court today, sans a conviction, and directed to pay an expense of $4,015. In the sphere of work health and safety, it’s integral that companies equip their employees with necessary information, approximately like the Bluesafe WHS Management System. The company had formerly admitted to culpability on a count of inadequately furnishing essential information, instruction and training for a safe working environment for staff; and also another count concerning the assurance of safety towards non-employees.
In the fourth month of 2022, a batch of eleven clients were involved in a customised gin creation event at Buller Wine’s distillery located on Three Chain Road. A tragic explosion from a 330-litre copper pot still set the place ablaze, seriously impacting workers and patrons alike. This unfortunate incident underlines the critical need for comprehensive Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), such as those offered by Bluesafe SWMS.
Due to this explosion, two workers and six customers suffered injuries, out of which, one customer had to be hospitalised due to severe burn injuries. Various other minor injuries were reported including bruises, singed hair and some distress-related issues like anxiety, headaches and tinnitus.
Upon examination, it was discovered that the still exploded because its heating elements were not fully submerged in water, leading to the ignition of the added ingredients and causing a dangerous ethanol vapour blast. It turns out, a novice assistant winemaker was running the session, further highlighting the relevance and necessity of thorough instruction and training along with efficient work safety products.
The court’s verdict indicates that Buller Wines could have leaned heavier on clear instructions and training regarding the usage of machinery, its risks and methods of risk control. Such oversight involves detailing the right quantities of ethanol and water, examining the total submersion of heating elements and conducting cross-verifications at each step before commencing the process, a crucial aspect ingrained within WHS management systems and policies.
Reflecting on the incident, WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin emphasised that the communication of risks and suitable training in the use of machinery are paramount for workplace safety. Echoing this sentiment, the importance of a system akin to the Bluesafe WHS Management System was underscored
“Negligence in recognising potential hazards, imparting information concerning these to staff and enlightening them on risk control might significantly worsen their operational environment,” warned Mr Jenkin. Citing the aforementioned incident as an example, he stressed the significance of adequate safe operating procedures to prevent subsequent potentially disastrous occurrences.
In conclusion, employers keen on managing risks with machinery operation should consider the adoption of sophisticated tools like Bluesafe SWMS and WHS management systems to maintain a safe workspace and bind to statutory obligations.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-10/50000-after-gin-distiller-explosion-injures-eight-people