Preventing amputations in the manufacturing industry
In a bid to reduce the number of amputations in the manufacturing industry, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland will soon release an updated guide on machine guarding and conduct audits of manufacturing workplaces.
The updated Guide to practical machine guarding (PDF, 737 KB) will be released later this year, while the safe use of plant audits in the manufacturing industry are scheduled for early 2006.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland General Manager Judy Bertram said the updated guide and audits are part of a targeted strategy to reduce the unacceptably high number of amputations in the manufacturing industry.
'The manufacturing industry has the highest number of traumatic amputations of any industry in Queensland,' Ms Bertram said.
'In 2003–04 there were 193 work-related traumatic amputations reported in Queensland, with 94 of these occurring in the manufacturing industry.
'That means the manufacturing industry accounted for almost half of all traumatic amputations, even though it only employed about 10 per cent of the Queensland workforce.'
A traumatic amputation is when a person permanently loses a body part as a result of a sudden event. One of the most common causes of amputations is when workers' body parts are caught in unguarded or inappropriately guarded machinery.
Under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995, all employers are required to ensure the health and safety of workers. This includes ensuring all plant and machinery is safe and properly maintained.
'Losing a body part affects a worker for the rest of their life. We are committed to working with employers and workers to prevent further amputations in the manufacturing industry,' Ms Bertram said.
In line with industry demand, the updated guide will include further practical guidance on identifying and controlling machinery hazards, including the appropriate selection, fitting and maintenance of guards.
The guide will also incorporate the requirements for designers, manufacturers and suppliers of plant, who are obliged to ensure the plant is safe when used properly and that information is provided for its safe use.