Access keys | Skip to content | Skip to footer |
Problems viewing this site

Costless Glass Pty Ltd

Summary

Incident description:

A worker was injured when 650 kilograms of toughened glass sheeting fell on him while he was trying to access a particular sheet from within a pile stored on an ‘A Frame’ rack.

To access the required sheet the worker leaned the unwanted glass sheets against himself. A combination of the weight and angle of the glass eventually became too great and the worker collapsed under the weight. His left leg and ankle were broken and his tibial tendon and artery were severed in the incident.

Investigation findings:

The investigation found that no risk assessment had been conducted and there was no system of work in place to move glass sheets from one section of the ‘A Frame’ rack to another in order to find a particular sheet of glass, instead relying on the worker’s experience in the glass industry to be able to move the glass safely.

Considerations for prevention:

(Commentary under this heading may be additional to material before the court.)

Since the incident, the defendant has developed safe operating procedures and issued work instructions on how to move the glass sheets safely. When considering a system of work for the transport and storage of sheeting the following issues should be considered:

  • ensure that adequate space exists between the rack and the floor so that mechanical lifting equipment can be maneuvered close enough to the rack to be used
  • ensure appropriate restraints are used to store and restrain sheets and that sheets are simultaneously restrained while the desired sheet is being removed
  • remove sheets one at a time ensuring a system of work has been considered which will control the risk of sheets falling over
  • when considering the size and type of glass to be moved single, double or multi-handed techniques may be appropriate as might the use of straps, slings or suction pads
  • always wear appropriate PPE.

Court result:

The defendant was found guilty and fined $35,000. No conviction was recorded.

Details
Industry:
Industrial
Defendant:
Costless Glass Pty Ltd (ANZSIC code 2610)
Date of offence:
30 May 2008
Location of offence:
Strathpine
Injury:
Fractures to left leg and ankle, and severing of the tibial tendon and artery
Offence:
Grievous bodily harm
Court:
Strathpine
Magistrate:
Mr Stephen Guttridge
Legislation:
s.28(1) Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995
Plea:
Guilty
Decision date:
14 November 2008
Penalty:
$35,000
Maximum fine available:
$375,000
Investigation costs:
$1,352.99
Professional and legal costs:
Nil
Court costs:
$65.40
In default period to pay:
Three months to pay, in default levy and distress
Conviction recorded:
No
CIS No.:
79332 / 36478

Access related information

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