WorkSafe has charged concrete pole manufacturer Vertech Hume Pty Ltd after a worker died at their Werribee factory in September 2024.
36-year-old Ne Doh Wah died when he was struck by a metal bucket, which dislodged from an electrical chain hoist and fell approximately 15 metres.
The company faces two charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to provide or maintain, so far as was reasonably practicable, a working environment that was safe and without risks to health. WorkSafe alleges the company twice breached section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act by failing to provide or maintain safe plant and safe systems of work to prevent the bucket from dislodging while the hoist was in use.
Falling objects are a significant cause of death and serious injury in workplaces across the country. WorkSafe provides guidance to employers on how to manage the hazards associated with falling objects, including a Dropped Object Calculator witch assists in assessing the level of risk by estimating the damage a dropped object can cause. Although many of the available resources on falling objects relate to the construction industry, there are lessons to be learned for all industries, including manufacturing.
Following Ne Doh Wah’s death friends of the well-loved community member started a fundraiser to help his heartbroken family manage the aftermath of this preventable and entirely unnecessary incident. Ne Doh Wah was survived by his beloved wife and their 4-year-old son. He came to Australia as a refugee 18 years ago and built a life filled with love, hard work, and dedication. Having lost his own father at just two years of age, Ne Doh Wah grew up close to his mother and siblings, always determined to create a bright future for his own family. He was a passionate soccer player, proudly serving as the goalkeeper for the K.Y.O team, and was known for his incredible friendship, kindness, and unwavering loyalty. His sister shared, "I am always proud of him; he was a mature man who loved his family deeply."
Read more: Charges after death from falling metal bucket | WorkSafe Victoria