From the Editor

Thank you once again for viewing this weeks news.  We are all looking forward to the break over the Christmas holidays, but remember, statistics has proven that many fatalities and incidents occur around this time of the year. All employers and employees need to remain vigilant and ensure that the standard of safety doesn't lower as a result of the oncoming weeks.

Thank you for your interest and have a safe week.

Recent Injuries & Incidents

Trench collapse proves costly

Two companies involved in major sewage pipeline project at Templestowe in Victoria were each fined $30,000 after a worker was injured when a trench collapsed.

 Di Carlo Drainage and LRM Contractors (Vic) each pleaded guilty in the Ringwood Magistrates' Court on Friday to two charges under the OHS Act - failing to provide a safe working environment for their own workers, and failing to provide a safe working environment for the workers of the other company.

The court was told that Di Carlo and LRM were involved in a joint venture laying 10km of sewage piping using trenchless directional drilling.

On 20 July 2011, a trench more than 2.5m deep was dug in order to correct a problem with the pipeline. An employee of Di Carlo Drainage entered the trench, which did not have any shoring or shields in place to prevent the risk of collapse. He exited about five minutes later without incident.

An LRM employee then entered the trench to work on the pipeline. As he left, the trench wall fell on him, burying him up to his neck. He suffered a broken collarbone, collapsed lung, four broken ribs and required surgery to remove clotting from his lung.   LRM was sentenced (without conviction) to pay a fine of $30,000 and $4643.50 in costs. Di Carlo was sentenced (without conviction) to pay a fine of $30,000 and $4643.50 in costs.

WorkSafe’s Construction Manager Allan Beacom said the incident was a reminder of the dangers of working in trenches without essential safety precautions.

“It was fortunate the worker didn’t die in this incident,” Mr Beacom said. “The construction industry knows that trenches are dangerous places to work without full protective measures in place.

“Even if a worker doesn’t die, broken limbs, asphyxia and crush injuries are some of the serious injuries that can occur when a trench collapses. There are specific rules in relation to trench work safety and they must be followed at all times.”

Incident recorded on worksafe.vic.gov.au

Keeping workers safe in the heat 

Australian workers are more vulnerable to heat related illnesses due to exposure to high levels of UV radiation and the world’s worst skin cancer rate. Working in intense heat over long periods can raise normal body temperature and in a worst-case scenario lead to heat stroke and possible death.

Heat stress and fatigue may also impair clear thinking, escalating risk of workplace injury – making errors, slipping or dropping tools. While postponing work or rescheduling tasks to cooler times or other areas is often not possible, employers can take practical steps to reduce risk. An essential provision is to monitor weather forecasts and plan ahead to ensure adequate safety measures are in place.

Download the FREE fact sheet from WorkCover NSW outlines five steps to manage risks when working in heat.

Download the Fact Sheet

Safety Statistics for Australia

The number of deaths this year in Australia as at 4 December 2013.

Part time workers have twice the injury frequency rate as full time workers.

 Over the Past 10 years, Mental Stress has accounted for over 95% of all Mental Disorder Workers Compensation claims.

Quote of the week  

Accidents can be prevented.

All injuries, incidents and accidents are preventable. Download this week's Safety quote. Promote the quote on your notice board, walkways and lunchrooms.

Download your FREE 'quote of the week' here

Safety Ideas & Videos

Napo in Safe on Site

Napo is working on a construction site and the film shows some of the common hazards and risks on site. As an employee, Napo is faced with many hazardous situations but manages to survive his ordeal.The film is produced for building and construction workers but is suitable for all sectors and all levels of employees, especially young people in training and work experience.

The objectives are to raise awareness of the most frequent risks found on a building site and to give the opportunity to reflect on prevention measures adapted to the situation. The introduction shows different characters, Napo as a building worker, a colleague, the boss and the architect. Different risk situations are shown in seven short stories.

Providing systems that create peace of mind.

Environmental Systems - ISO 14001:2004

Health & Safety Systems - AS/NZS 4801:2001

Quality Systems - ISO 9001:2008