Sherrin Hire Pty Ltd

Incident description:

A worker sustained fatal head injuries when he fell out of an elevated work platform when it toppled over at full extension.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The investigation found that the reason the platform fell was that one of the four stabilizers retracted. This fault was reported to the defendant but not passed on to the injured worker.

Court result:

The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined $68,000. No conviction was recorded.

Considerations for prevention:

Employers must develop a system of work to inspect, report and repair faulty equipment. Employers must ensure that equipment identified as faulty is removed from the workplace until it is repaired and deemed to be safe for use. Employers must provide information, instruction and training to workers on the system of work used to inspect, report and repair faulty equipment.

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

• work platforms, conducting risk assessments or better managing risks when working at heights
• fall arrest systems
• emergency recovery plan - fall arrestor system, and
• conducting risk assessments or developing safe operating procedures