Burnett Sawmill Pty Ltd

Incident description:

An unsupervised apprentice was crushed while performing maintenance work when a forklift's cabin which had been raised to allow access to the motor lowered on top of him.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The cabin started lowering because the worker accidentally unscrewed the wrong hydraulic hose. Instead of releasing the hydraulic hose leaking the oil the worker released a hose connected to the lowering mechanism of the cabin. The investigation found the procedure outlined in the forklift operator's manual was not followed. There was minimum risk of injury if the procedure for using the safety prop had been followed. Whilst workers were given a general workplace safety induction, no training was provided specifically on the forklift.

Court result:

The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined $70,000. No conviction was recorded.

Considerations for prevention:

Obligation holders should consider developing safe operating procedures to follow when repairing and maintaining equipment. Safe operating procedures should give consideration to the maintenance and repair instructions outlined in manufacturers' manuals. Obligation holders should consider the use of safety props to support the weight of the forklift cabin in the case of a hydraulic failure.

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

• conducting risk assessments
• implementing controls or evaluating or monitoring them, and
• developing safe operating procedures.