Australasian Machinery Sales, trading as Trout River, provided MulchXpress with a novel piece of plant called the 'Slinger' to reload blower trucks on-site. The company specialises in live bottom trailers with an interior belt system for emptying content.
In February 2021, a MulchXpress worker at a Kangan Institute worksite failed to isolate the power while cleaning the unit, leading to a serious incident after he inadvertently activated the machine by bumping its remote control.
The worker suffered de-gloving injuries requiring multiple skin grafts. Investigations found the Slinger's operating manual lacked adequate safety instructions.
The ‘Slinger’ is considered 'plant' for the purposes of section 29 of the OHS Act
Despite a guilty plea and no prior convictions, the court fined the company $25,000 and ordered payment of costs.
