Palview Pty Ltd

Incident description:

A worker's hand was injured when his co-worker accidentally engaged the foot pedal of a brake press when they were changing a die blade. The engagement of the foot pedal caused the blade to come down on the worker's hand.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The defendant did not provide written information, instruction or training to the worker undertaking the blade change or his assistant in relation to the system of work for the use and maintenance of the hydraulic plate bending machine. The investigation also found that while a risk assessment had been carried out on the plant the issues identified during the risk assessment had not been communicated to workers.

Court result:

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

Considerations for prevention:

When working in the manufacturing industry where workers are performing maintenance or repairs on a brake press, obligation holders should conduct a risk assessment of the task being completed and implement a safe system of work for workers to follow to control the risks identified. Obligation holders should consider a procedure to isolate the power being supplied to the press during maintenance and repair work. Electrical lock-out devices can be installed on the power outlets of a press to prevent the blades from closing if the operating pedal is inadvertently activated.

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

• training options or how training should be conducted
• implementing controls or evaluating or monitoring them
• obligations which apply when modifying plant
• conducting risk assessments or developing safe operating procedures, and
• safeguarding machinery and plant.