A Truganina industrial plastic manufacturer has received a $40,000 fine for over-riding the interlock mechanism on a plastic blow moulding machine, which resulted in an employee’s head being crushed, causing life threatening injuries and a traumatic brain injury.
A plastic moulding machine at the workplace was fitted with an interlock system to ensure the machine would only operate when the doors were closed. Occasionally employees would need to enter the machine to make adjustments or remove debris. The employees were told to turn off the machine if they needed to enter it. A paper notice was also attached to the machine which reminded employees that all doors and gates must be closed while the machine is running.
On 5 April 2022 an employee was called to assist another employee on this machine due to an error in the system – at this time the interlock system was not working because it had been disconnected or otherwise over-ridden by tape placed over the interlock sensors. It is not known who did this or when.
The employee attempting to rectify the issue within the machine was injured when his head was crushed between the moving bar and the frame of the machine.
The employer failed to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of the interlock system and failed to inspect and monitor the integrity of the sensors and other safety devices on the machine.
Read more: Prosecution Result Summaries and Enforceable Undertakings | WorkSafe Victoria
