Big Bell Gold Operations has been fined $400,000 after a contract worker was injured while performing a task that wasn't covered in his safety induction. The supervising task manager was also untrained. The company admitted to breaching safety laws in the Perth Magistrates Court and failing to provide a safe working environment.
The incident occurred when two workers were contracted to use tools to remove built-up material from a running conveyor. In February 2020, one of the workers was using a shovel for this purpose when his left arm became entangled and was lacerated in a nip point between the belt and a return roller. Another worker pulled an emergency lanyard to stop the conveyor and used a crowbar to lift the conveyor belt, allowing the trapped worker to remove his arm.
The court found the conveyor's guarding inadequate because it didn't extend far enough towards the ground, leaving a gap that workers could reach under to access hazardous moving parts. The injured worker had only completed a brief online safety induction, which didn't cover conveyor safety. Following the incident, the company improved conveyor guarding and safety training.
WorkSafe WA emphasised the importance of proper safety measures and training for workers, urging duty holders to consult the WHS Code of Practice, Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace.
Source: OHS Alert, 09 July
