A cold chain logistics company has agreed to spend almost $300,000 to improve health and safety outcomes after a worker's leg was caught in a conveyor belt and crushed by a one tonne pallet.
Late last month the Werribee Magistrates' Court heard Newcold Melbourne No.2 Pty Ltd had entered into an Enforceable Undertaking while facing charges of failing to provide and maintain safe plant, failing to provide a safe system of work, and failing to provide necessary information, instruction, training and supervision.
In September 2021, a worker was trying to move a pallet that was obstructing a pedestrian crossover point on the automated conveyor belt at the company's warehouse in Truganina. The pallet knocked the worker when the conveyor belt suddenly started moving, causing his foot to slip and become trapped in an opening between two rollers. The worker fell backwards, and the pallet rolled over his leg, crushing it.
The estimated $293,012 undertaking requires the company to:
- Install security access gates at cross-over points to limit access to workers who have been trained in the crossover requirements.
- Engage an occupational physician to complete a study on the impacts of working in low oxygen environments, with recommendations to minimise the physical and psychological effects of working in hypoxic conditions.
- Donate $30,000 to the OHS Body of Knowledge to deliver benefits to the industry and community.
WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin reminded duty holders of their obligation to do all they can to keep workers safe when working with or near machinery.
"Working around machinery is often high risk and it's critical that duty holders not only ensure that plant and systems for using it are safe, but that all workers have the training, instruction and supervision needed to reduce these risks," Mr Jenkin said.
WorkSafe may reinstate the charges if the undertaking is contravened or withdrawn.
Read more: Company to invest $293,000 after worker's leg crushed | WorkSafe Victoria
