News
Tower crane strikes powerlines
In November 2018, lifting equipment attached to a tower crane servicing a construction project contacted live overhead powerlines next to the site. This caused the power supply within the local area to automatically shut off. There were no injuries and it appears the crane unintentionally rotated over the powerlines under its own power. Investigations are continuing.
Multiple fines issued over teenager’s workplace death in 2016
Two farming companies and a sole director have been fined a total $475,000 after the tragic death of a 14 year old boy at a large property in Goondiwindi on 1 April 2016.
Worker struck by reversing forklift
In November 2018, a worker sustained minor crush injuries after beingwhen he was struck by a reversing forklift that was reversing within in the a factory packing room of a factory. The workerHe has walked up to a a forklift operator on their forklift to have a conversationspeak with its operator, when they and was were struck from behind by another forklift that which was reversing in the vicinity, crushing him the worker between the two forklifts.
Scaffold collapses onto neighbouring home
In November 2018, a segment of scaffold approximately 17 metres long and 8 metres high on a housing construction site collapsed onto a neighbouring residential house. The house was occupied at the time of the incident. Early investigations suggest the scaffold may have been free standing at the time and had not been tied back to the building or other structure. No one was injured as a result of the collapse. Investigations are continuing.
Worker fatally crushed by hay bale accumulator
In November 2018, a worker was killed after he was crushed by a hay baling accumulator. An accumulator is towed behind a hay baler and is used to group hay bales together for easier pick up. Accumulators include a large deck that is raised and lowered with a hydraulic cylinder. It appears the accumulator operator was attending to maintenance issues when he was killed. He was found underneath the deck by another worker who went to check on him after contact ceased during a phone call. It is not clear at this stage what caused the incident. Investigations are continuing.
Always use independent earth for polarity testing
Recent disciplinary hearings have involved workers failing to ensure the correct polarity of supply after performing work on the incoming service. The Electrical Licensing Committee noted that in many cases electrical workers failed to use an independent earth when conducting polarity tests. Electrical workers should use an independent earth whenever possible, rather than the installation earthing system.
New Wiring Rules requirements for like for like replacement of electrical equipment
The new edition of AS/NZS3000:2018 (the Wiring Rules) introduced additional requirements for final sub-circuit wiring for certain electrical equipment, including requirements for safety switch protection and isolating switches.
Workplace sexual harassment in the spotlight of national inquiry
With the #MeToo movement launching workplace sexual harassment and bullying into the public spotlight, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is conducting a national inquiry into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces.
- Last updated
- 29 May 2017