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Incident alert
Worker fell through formwork void
In March 2018, a worker sustained serious spinal injuries as a result of falling approximately three metres through a void in formwork at a multi-storey construction site. Initial inquiries indicate the void was covered with fibrous cement sheeting which broke when the worker stood on it.
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Incident alert
Worker killed by explosion while welding
The incident happened whilst a worker was making a tractor counterweight by welding empty fuel drums to a steel frame. When the worker placed the welder to the top of a drum, there was an explosion, engulfing him. The fuel or ignition source hasn’t been confirmed. The man sustained full thickness burns to more than 95 per cent of his body. He was transported to Cairns Hospital where he passed away from his injuries. Investigations into the incident are continuing.
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Workplace health and safety alert
Uncontrolled starting of amusement devices
The purpose of this safety alert is to provide information on an incident with a Wave swinger amusement ride with a design feature common to many older amusement devices.
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Incident alert
Excavated wall collapse
In February 2018, a worker’s foot and ankle were injured when part of a three metre high near vertical excavation face collapsed. The injured worker was part of a group building a boulder retaining wall. Four workers were gathered at the toe of the excavation when they heard a cracking noise and the excavation face collapsed. Three of them managed to jump out of the way but the fourth was buried up to his knees. Investigations are continuing.
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Incident alert
Worker impaled by starter bar at construction site
In February 2018, a worker was impaled by a starter bar after falling into a 1.8m deep excavation at a construction site. Early investigations indicate he was walking on a path close to the excavation when the ground slipped. This caused him to fall onto an uncapped starter bar which was protruding from a footing for a retaining wall at the bottom of the excavation. His injuries were not life threatening or permanent and investigations are continuing.
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Incident alert
Primary school student hit by golf buggy
In February 2018, a six year old primary school student was seriously injured by a golf buggy being driven on the school grounds. Early investigations indicate the student came out of the toilet block and ran into the path of the golf buggy. The student sustained leg and skull fractures and bleeding on the brain. Investigations are continuing.
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Incident alert
Workers injured by glass sheets
In February 2018, three workers received severe lacerations when one of several large glass sheets in a racking system fell to the ground and shattered. It appears that one of two workers trying to restrain the glass sheets by hand was unable to support the weight of one of them. Another worker came to his assistance but was unable to prevent the sheet from falling. Investigations are continuing.
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Incident alert
Generator fuel explosion in back of truck
In February 2018, two workers received severe burns to their legs, upper body and face when fuel ignited in the back of a truck.
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Incident alert
Vehicle stabilisers and outriggers
In February 2018, a truck fitted with a vehicle loading crane was driven along a road with its stabiliser extended. The stabiliser struck a parked vehicle and a worker standing behind this vehicle was crushed and killed. It is not yet known why the stabiliser was unsecured and investigations are continuing.
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Incident alert
Young worker injured by nail gun
An apprentice was injured by a nail, fired from a nail gun by another worker, which went through the piece of timber he was holding and into his chest. The worker underwent minor surgery to remove a small piece of bone. Investigations are continuing.