A Raptis & Sons Pty Ltd trading as RAPTIS

Incident description:

A worker was operating a conveyor belt for ice bagging in a fish packing factory. Ice sometimes builds up on the conveyor and spills. To push the ice back on the conveyor, the worker put on a glove that was too big for her and put her hand in between the top and return slats of the conveyor. The worker's glove was pinched by the return slats and her hand and arm were drawn in and around the 'idler' cogs. The conveyor was hydraulically powered and did not have any electrical trip wire-type emergency stop. The worker was released after one and a half hours and sustained cuts and fractures to her right hand and forearm.

Investigation findings:

• The worker had not received any safety induction on starting work with the company.
• The workplace did not have any written or oral appropriate safe work method for operating the ice bagging machine.
• Although a temporary water flushing system had been set up on the side of the conveyor, it was operating at low pressure at the time of the incident and was not effectively removing the buildup of ice.

Considerations for prevention:

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.

Court result:

The company was found guilty and fined $33,000 with no conviction recorded.

• Guide to machinery and equipment safety (PDF, 400kB)
• Plant Code of Practice 2005