Alerts

Four workers injured in gas explosion

In July 2023, four workers were injured in a workplace gas explosion and fire. Early enquiries indicate they were clearing a gas line by purging a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) boiler line, creating a flammable atmosphere in the room. For reasons not yet known, a brazing torch ignited the atmosphere, resulting in an explosion and fire.

12-year-old jumps from amusement ride when safety harness releases

In May 2023, a 12-year-old sustained fractures to her foot when she jumped from the seat of an amusement ride.

Serious fire and explosion injuries in three hot work incidents

In October 2022, a worker suffered serious burns to his upper body after being engulfed by a fire at an engineering workplace. Early investigations revealed he was welding a metal plate to repair a leak to a tank, when an explosion occurred which resulted in a fire.

Worker fatally crushed by skid steer loader

In February 2019, a worker was killed while repairing a skid steer loader. Early investigations indicate the safety prop was not engaged to ensure the bucket arms could not be lowered. The worker inadvertently activated the controls and was crushed by the arms. It appears the mechanisms which enable the hand controls to be isolated were inoperative due to general wear and tear on the machine. Investigations are continuing.

Vehicle loading cranes

VLCs can be dangerous when they are not operated in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions. The purpose of this safety alert is to alert operators of vehicle loading cranes (VLCs) of the need to follow the manufacturer¿s operating instructions and to provide safety guidance for owners and employers.

Worker fatally crushed when forklift tipped over

In October 2018, a worker was killed when the forklift he was operating tipped over and pinned him. The experienced operator was moving a load into an industrial shed. The forklift’s mast collided with an overhead steel beam, causing the forklift to tip over onto its side pinning the operator. It appears the operator may not have been wearing a seat belt. Investigations are continuing.

Worker killed in fall from air-conditioning duct

In August 2018, a worker was killed after falling twelve metres onto a concrete floor. Early investigations indicate he was undertaking scheduled maintenance of air-conditioning ducts and was in the fresh air intake pre-conditioned outside air (PCOA) unit. A co-worker returned to the area and found a void where a floor grate had been. He looked through the void and saw his colleague on the concrete floor below. This particular PCOA is the only vent open to external, often hot and humid air, and as such is a high corrosion area. Investigations are continuing.