Absolute Shocker Editorial Traffic Management Focus Barry Dunn, WorkSafe s Construction Program Strategy Manager writes about the traffic management focus, which commences on the 15 August 2016. The Safe Worker and Traffic (SWAT) campaign is a joint initiative by WorkSafe s Construction Program, VicRoads and industry to promote safe traffic management at construction roadside worksites. View Absolute Shocker here Do you have an entry for Absolute Shocker? Email it to:construction@worksafe.vic.gov.au Reported incidents Read the list of Reported Incidents from 14 July to 27 July 2016. The 63 Reported Incidents include: two fatalities, 19 lacerations, 16 near misses, 13 unknowns, 5 fractures, three electric shocks, two crushes and one amputation and puncture. Visit us on the web As part of WorkSafe s commitment to the SWAT Campaign, from mid-august inspectors will be visiting construction sites, including roadside sites, with a focus on traffic management. During these visits inspectors will: raise with relevant duty-holders the risks associated with road and pedestrian traffic and the requirements around protecting workers, pedestrians and road users; and, assess if the duty-holder is adequately controlling the risks. Victoria Man breaks leg after falling into trench at home A 45-year-old man fell down the trench at his home while searching for his dog. Current prosecutions updated WorkSafe has updated its list of prosecutions that were before the courts from 30 June 2016.
Prosecution summaries WorkSafe has updated its list of prosecution summaries. South Australia Safe Work SA Media Release SafeWork SA is urging builders and sub-contractors to secure or put loose items away on their worksites so they do not pose a safety hazard in strong winds. Fears asbestos sheets used at construction sites across country A South Australian company that imported more than 8000 sheets of cement board containing asbestos from China is under investigation amid fears that its products are being used at construction sites across the nation and could expose workers to contamination. Queensland Queensland Government Media Statement Queensland is calling on Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton to publicly release a review of Australia s asbestos border control management, following two serious asbestos incidents on opposite sides of the country last week. Safety Alert Serious Electrical Incident Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Electrical Safety Office are investigating a serious electrical incident after a worker was using an aluminium ladder and aluminium pole while working on a billboard sign, when the pole came into contact with a 33 kv power line. Man injured using a grinder A Queensland man was rushed to hospital after slicing his leg with a grinder. Queensland Ambulance service has described the injury as a 'significant laceration with a bone involved'. Electrical contractor charged with manslaughter over death at building site An electrical contractor has been charged with the manslaughter of a young labourer who was electrocuted on his ninth day of work in
central Queensland. Western Australia Worker killed at Norseman gold mine A worker has died at a mine in the state's Goldfields, the Department of Mines and Petroleum has confirmed. Another warning on falsified High Risk Work Licences WorkSafe has issued a further warning to carefully check High Risk Work Licences after discovering another falsified licence. Media Statement Changes boost protections for coal miners A boosted x-ray screening system with international checks started last week as part of the new regime to protect the health of the state s underground coal miners. Company fined $60,000 for arc flash incident A company has been fined $60,000 following an arc flash incident at Atlas Iron's Wodgina iron ore project in the Pilbara. Man stranded in isolated part of Goldfields a reminder of importance of carrying Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) WA Department of Mines and Petroleum remind Prospectors of the importance of being prepared when travelling in remote parts of the State following the stranding of a man in an isolated part of the Goldfields last week. New South Wales Safety Alert Guards and disks on angle grinders The purpose of this safety alert is to highlight the risks associated with removing guards and using incorrect discs on angle grinders. Boss didn t read manual A manager responsible for training staff at a company where a worker was killed had not read the operator s manual for the machinery he was instructing workers how to use, a court has heard. Conviction over skid steer loader death
A 69-year-old bulldozer operator was fatally injured in June 2013, when he was crushed between a skid steer loader and an equipment hoe while cleaning built-up soil. SafeWork NSW issues ladder safety warning SafeWork NSW has issued a reminder to NSW businesses to work safely with ladders after one worker was killed and four were seriously injured in falls over the past two months. ACT ACT appoints a new Work Safety Commissioner ACT appoints Greg Jones as the territory's new Work Safety Commissioner. Safety Alert Crane Safety Three separate incidents have occurred in the ACT this year over an eight week period involving tower cranes on construction sites. Tasmania Contractor not following safety plan when worker fell to death A Tasmanian construction contractor was not following its own work safety plan when a 20-year-old employee died, an inquest has heard. The employee died from head injuries after he fell from the roof of the Devonport Homemaker Centre in August 2012. World Is this Britain s worst builder? Worrying photos show a man precariously balancing two ladders on an open door, which could swing shut at any moment. National steel firm fined 1.98million for safety failings A steel company has been fined after two workers suffered injuries to their hands in two separate incidents involving machinery. Worker injured falling down a service riser shaft
A construction company in Gateshead has been fined after a worker suffered injury when he fell down a service riser shaft. Scottish Energy Company appeals 1.75m health and safety fine A Scottish power firm is to appeal the 1.75m fine they were handed after a worker suffered steam burns at Longannet Power Station.