Queensland Recycling Pty Ltd
Incident description:
At the time of the accident the injured worker was working as a picker on a conveyor system at a recycling worksite. It is unclear how the worker became trapped inside the conveyor system as there were no witnesses to the accident and the injured worker has no recollection of the accident. The worker was found with his right arm caught between the conveyor belt and the tail drum at the lower end of the conveyor belt.
Investigation findings:
An investigating mechanical engineer found a lump of clay on the tail drum of the conveyor and found that the conveyor belt was tracking approximately 75 mm off to one side. The product would therefore have been falling off the conveyor onto the floor. The metal guard covering the tail drum had been removed when the injured worker was found.
Considerations for prevention:
(Commentary under this heading may be additional to material before the court.)Interlocking devices fitted to the guard would electrically isolate/stop the moving conveyor when the guard fixing is broken or guard removed.
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, and part 5.22 Instructing, Training and Supervising Workers. They should also consider section 35 of theWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995 ‘obligations of owners of plant’
Court result:
The company was found guilty and fined $35,000 with no conviction recorded.
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Industry:
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Waste disposal
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Defendant:
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Queensland Recycling Pty Ltd (ABN 33 070 222 847)
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Date of offence:
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11 December 2006
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Location of offence:
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Nudgee
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Injury:
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Crush injuries to the head, chest and arm
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Offence:
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Grievous bodily harm
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Court:
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Brisbane Industrial Magistrates Court
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Legislation:
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s.28(1) Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995
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Plea:
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Guilty
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Decision date:
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6 December 2007
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Penalty:
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$35,000
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Maximum fine available:
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$375,000
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Investigation costs:
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$2,312.86
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Professional and legal costs:
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Nil
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Court costs:
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$65.30
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In default period to pay:
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3 months in default, levy and distress
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Conviction recorded:
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No
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CIS No.:
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E57056
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