Northern Abrasive Blasting Pty Ltd

Incident description:

A worker was killed when a piece of steel he was removing from a flat bed trailer rolled off and struck him as he released the load restraints.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The investigation found that while the worker had secured the load himself and successfully driven the load to its destination the defendant had not assessed the risks associated with the loading, transportation and unloading of these steel materials. In particular the likelihood that the steel could shift during transportation.

Court result:

The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined $65,000. No conviction was recorded. The magistrate took into consideration an early plea and no prior convictions.

Considerations for prevention:

When work processes require the loading, unloading and transportation of goods the obligation holder should conduct a risk assessment taking into consideration the use of stanchions (upright bars or posts, providing support for other objects) to contain the load and dunage (plastic films, coverings, tarpaulins, matting) to manage the variation in load shapes.

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

• securing loads and managing falling objects
• conducting risk assessments, and
• implementing controls or evaluating or monitoring them.