Amcor Packaging (Australia) Pty Ltd

Incident description:

A worker sustained a fractured wrist while cleaning a cardboard folder/gluer machine using a hose delivering compressed air. The machine was operating, and the worker's hand was caught in the moving parts of the machine.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The investigation found that the moving parts of the machine were unguarded, and the defendant relied on administrative controls, in the form of instructions, to manage the risk of injury.

Court result:

The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined $35,000. No conviction recorded. The magistrate took into consideration the defendant's early plea, previous good record, co-operation with the investigation and the steps it took to fix the issue when ordering that a conviction not be recorded.

Considerations for prevention:

Obligation holders should conduct a risk assessment on machinery being used within the workplace and consider the use of engineering controls over administrative ones when deciding on options for controlling the risks identified. Installation of fixed guards that cover the moving parts of a machine will prevent workers from accessing the hazardous areas.

Obligation holders should ensure that workers who are at risk of injury when operating machinery are provided with information, instruction and training on the machines safe operating procedures and the risks identified.

Visit the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website for more information on:

• safeguarding machinery and plant
• conducting risk assessments
• implementing controls or evaluating or monitoring them, and
• obligations which apply when modifying plant.