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T & S Haulage Pty Ltd

Summary

Incident description:

A worker suffered crush injuries to his back when a 400kg electrical switchboard he was to install toppled and fell on him while being unloaded from a truck. In the process of moving the switchboard from the truck onto a mobile trolley the switchboard, which was being lifted by a crane attached to the truck, became unstable and toppled over and out of the slings used in its unloading.

Investigation findings:

The investigation found that the defendant did not have any procedures in place to ensure that the transport driver had the required skills to undertake the transport and lifting of the switchboard, instead relying on the worker's prior experience as a transport driver to know what to do.

Considerations for prevention:

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

The driver’s employer who had been subcontracted to deliver the switchboard had responsibility for ensuring the method used when loading and unloading items from its trucks were safe. Controls suitable for managing this risk may include the use of exclusion zones around the vehicle and adequate training in safe loading and unloading procedures for delivery staff.

Court result:

The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined $45,000. No conviction was recorded.

Details
   
Industry:
Transport and storage
Defendant:
T & S Haulage Pty Ltd (ANZSIC code 6509)
Date of offence:
8 February 2007
Location of offence:
Southport
Injury:
Paraplegia
Offence:
Grievous bodily harm
Court:
Southport Industrial Magistrates Court
Magistrate:
Mr Terry Duroux
Legislation:
s.28(1) Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995
Plea:
Guilty
Decision date:
21 November 2008
Penalty:
$45,000
Maximum fine available:
$375,000
Investigation costs:
$1,690
Professional and legal costs:
$750
Court costs:
$66.40
In default period to pay:
In default levy and distress, referred to SPER
Conviction recorded:
No
CIS No.:
59923

 

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