On Wednesday 2 July, the Werribee Magistrates' Court heard Newcold Melbourne Pty Ltd had entered into an enforceable undertaking while facing two charges of failing to ensure a workplace under its control was safe and without risks to health.
WorkSafe may reinstate the charges if the undertaking is contravened or withdrawn.
In January 2022, a worker was collecting items using powered mobile plant known as a tugger, which is an electric mechanical aid used to handle and transport pallets of goods.
As the worker was driving towards the pallets, she stepped off the tugger's platform before it had come to a complete stop. The tugger continued rolling and collided with the worker, pinning her leg to the pallet racking and causing crush injuries, including a fractured ankle.
WorkSafe alleges it was reasonably practicable for Newcold Melbourne to eliminate or reduce the risk of serious injury from the use of the tugger by ensuring staff were properly trained for the task, and by identifying any untrained workers.
The estimated $300,000 undertaking requires the company to:
- Implement a higher order engineering control measure for the company's automated conveyor system, using new security gates and monitored gates to limit staff access to restricted and high-risk areas;
- Sponsor an annual safety award recognising youth apprentices through a local vocational provider;
- Donate $30,000 towards an open-source OHS Body of Knowledge resource, which supports shared understanding of workplace health and safety issues; and
- Fund production of a video series that shares health and safety knowledge using Newcold's unique experience operating in a low temperature environment.
WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said it was up to employers to ensure staff were adequately trained to understand the risks of mechanical aids, such as tuggers and fork lifts.
"Risk of serious injury is significantly lower when there is a system in place to ensure only trained workers are asked to work with machinery or in high-risk areas," Mr Jenkin said.
"The improvements highlighted in this case will help to prevent further harm at this workplace and others in the industry."
Employers using powered mobile should ensure:
- A traffic management plan is in place for pedestrians and powered mobile plant and that it is reviewed and updated as appropriate.
- Pedestrians are separated from moving machinery and that an effective communication system between operators and other workers is in place.
- Signage is in place and barriers are erected where appropriate.
- Visibility issues are identified and controlled, particularly if lighting is poor.
- Workers operating equipment have appropriate training, supervision, and any required high-risk work licences.
- Machinery and vehicles and regularly inspected and maintained by a suitably qualified person.
- Workers and health and safety representatives are consulted about health and safety issues.
