Pioneer North Queensland Pty Ltd

Incident description:

A worker was cleaning a sand conveyor when his right arm came into contact with the conveyor and was drawn into the bottom drum. The worker sustained multiple breaks to his upper right arm, a large cut under his right arm, serious abrasions to the top of his right wrist and a broken rib.

Investigation findings:

The investigation found that the sand conveyor was not guarded at the bottom drum. The conveyor did not have any emergency stop device along the side of the conveyor. The workplace did not have any appropriate written or oral safe work method for the operation of the conveyor. A water flushing system was not set up to clear the sand from between the return conveyor and the bottom drum, requiring the sand to be removed without the water. This prompted the worker to remove it with his hands. The conveyor should have had the skirting rubbers adjusted to prevent the build up of sand at the base of the conveyor around the drum.

Considerations for prevention:

A number of notices were issued in relation to the contraventions identified as part of the investigation and the company was required to take appropriate action to address these issues.

Obligation holders should consider the requirements of the Plant Code of Practice 2005, in particular part 5.2 Design and Manufacture - specifically AS1755 Conveyers – Design, Construction, Installation and Operation - Safety Requirements. They should also consider the requirements of Section 27A of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 which outlines obligations relating to risk management.

Court result:

The company was found guilty and fined $50,000 with a conviction recorded.

• Plant Code of Practice 2005