Bradken Resources Pty Ltd

Investigation findings:

An incident occurred in the process of disassembling an ingot mould. The mould was hanging from a crane approximately 1.5 metres above the ground. The mould was made up of four boxes, each weighing approximately 1 tonne. Two workers were attempting to remove two runner bars under the mid section. As one of the workers started using a crow bar to lever out one of the runner bars, one of the four boxes fell and struck the worker's left index finger and left calf before landing on his foot and bouncing off. The man's foot was decapped and it split open in two places and the fourth metatarsal bone was broken.

Investigation findings:

The investigation found that there was no formal written procedure in place outlining processes by which the bolts which hold the ingot mould boxes in place should be removed even though the company had a '21 STEP PLAN'.

Considerations for prevention:

The company had already implemented a '21 STEP PLAN' addressing safety issues and the worker who was injured had attended training in the relevant work instruction and process map in September 2005. After the incident, the company:

• re-enforced the procedures to all on site
• sent a company safety alert to all foundries
• took disciplinary action with workers involved for contravening the '21 STEP PLAN' and the work instruction.

Obligaton holders should consider the requirements of the Plant Code of Practice 2005 in particular part 5.1 Risk management and part 5.22 Instructing, training and supervising workers.

Court result:

Bradken Resources Pty Ltd was found guilty and fined $45,000 with a conviction recorded.

• Construction industry sprains and strains prevention fact sheet (PDF, 152kB)
• Plant Code of Practice 2005