Onesteel Trading Pty Ltd

Incident description:

A worker was killed when a trailer was being loaded with steel. Four structural beams known as UB’s were placed on the edge of the trailer. However, the load was not pinned as the steel plates on the trailer were too wide. One worker was positioning the load with a gantry crane with another worker assisting him. As the first worker was lifting chains away from a load he had just positioned in the middle of the trailer, the four UB’s on the edge toppled from the rear end of the trailer. The second worker was fatally crushed by the UB’s falling on him. The four UB’s collectively weighed 1.6 tonnes.

Investigation findings:

The investigation found that it was common for loads too wide for the trailer to not be pinned. The worker was standing in the exclusion zone at the time of the incident. The exclusion zone was marked on the floor and with barriers, but workers often entered the zone. The company did not have sufficiently effective measures to ensure compliance with its exclusion zone policy.

Considerations for prevention:

Compliance with and enforcement of the company's own control measure, being the exclusion zone (and measures which would prevent the uncontrolled movement of steel products at height from trucks and/or trailers) would have managed the hazards and risks flowing from the hazards. After the incident, the company conducted a comprehensive investigation and review at the workplace where the incident occurred and strengthened compliance with the exclusion zone policy in their workplaces across Australia.

The company should consider the requirements of the Risk Management Code of Practice 2007 and the requirements of section 27A of theWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995 which outlines obligations relating to risk management. The company should also consider the Plant Code of Practice section 5.4 – Operation.

Court result:

The company was found guilty and fined $67,000 with no conviction recorded.

• Nature of Loads
• Load Handling