Alerts

Person electrocuted digging trench

In May 2023, a person was electrocuted while attempting to repair a water leak in an underground pipe. Early enquiries indicated that the person unearthed a black poly water pipe believed to be the water pipe that required repair, and then cut into it using conduit shears.

Four overhead powerline incidents involving plant and machinery

In May 2023, a worker was seriously injured after receiving an electric shock at a worksite. Initial enquiries indicated a concrete box culvert was being moved onsite by a pick-and-carry mobile crane with the worker helping. It appears the worker was touching part of the concrete box when the crane came into contact with overhead powerlines.

Worker’s foot injured in auger incident

In October 2023, a worker sustained significant injuries to his foot when it became trapped in an auger. Initial enquiries found that the worker was clearing a blockage in a blasting cabinet return system (consisting of conveyors and an auger) when his foot came into contact with the auger.

Operator killed in bulldozer rollover

In October 2023, a plant operator was killed when the bulldozer he was operating, rolled at a construction site.

Worker injured while inflating truck tyre

In October 2023, a worker sustained head and chest injuries when an inflated truck tyre exploded. Preliminary information suggested a truck tyre exploded when the worker was fitting a re-inflated tyre to the truck. It appeared the inside of the tyre wasn’t inspected prior to inflating and inflation didn’t occur inside a tyre cage.

Young construction worker impaled by crowbar

In June 2023, a worker sustained serious head injuries when he was operating a stand on pallet mover. Initial investigations indicated the worker was operating the pallet mover in a large storage freezer travelling beneath a low-lying pallet racking system. It appears his head collided with the steel rack cross supports.

Heat related illness incident

In April 2023, a farm worker was found deceased at a rural property. The worker was conducting outdoor labouring work at a property on a hot day.

Mobile concrete placing boom rollover

In July 2023, an incident occurred involving the rollover of a boom type concrete pump at a residential construction site. Early investigations showed that the concrete placing boom operator was in the process of packing the plant up. It appears the boom fell onto the house across the street causing substantial damage to the building. Two people were in the house at the time, but fortunately they weren’t injured.

Worker died when trapped between forklift and vehicle hoist

In August 2023, a worker died when he became trapped between a forklift and a vehicle hoist. Early investigations found that the worker moved in behind a forklift to assist in adjusting chains. It seems the forklift operator reversed the forklift trapping the worker between the rear of the forklift and a vehicle hoist.

Fatality of skid steer loader operator

In June 2023, a worker was using a skid steer loader with a bucket attached (the loader) while performing yard work. Early investigations showed the worker had lowered the bucket of the loader and entered the bucket. At the time, the engine of the loader was still running, while he was standing in the bucket and leaning into the cabin conducting maintenance. It appears the bucket was then raised, carrying the worker up with it. During the course of the movement, the worker became trapped between the front of the roof turret and part of the hydraulic arms and/or bucket.

Injury to young worker caused by racking system failure

In June 2023, a worker sustained serious head injuries when he was operating a stand on pallet mover. Initial investigations indicated the worker was operating the pallet mover in a large storage freezer travelling beneath a low-lying pallet racking system. It appears his head collided with the steel rack cross supports.

Worker injured operating a stand on pallet mover

In June 2023, a worker sustained serious head injuries when he was operating a stand on pallet mover. Initial investigations indicated the worker was operating the pallet mover in a large storage freezer travelling beneath a low-lying pallet racking system. It appears his head collided with the steel rack cross supports.