Worker injured after refrigerator fall

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has a duty to ensure workers and other people are not exposed to health and safety risks, including the risks associated with loading items, for example commercial refrigerators, onto trolleys without a safe system of work, especially when they are handling heavy, awkward and unsecured items. The risk of injury can be eliminated or significantly reduced by:

• Using mechanical aids. Appropriate mechanical equipment may eliminate or reduce the need for workers to lift, carry or support items. The mechanical equipment needs to be suitable for the task, e.g. handle the load and be stable and suitable for the terrain where it is to be used. A wide range of mechanical aids are available, for example:
  • cranes (overhead travelling cranes, gantry cranes or jib cranes, stacker cranes, industrial manipulators and articulating arms)
  • forklifts
  • electric pallet trucks
  • truck tail gate lifts.
• stabilising items temporarily with suitably rated restraint devices such as ratchet straps, braces or frames where there is a risk of the items falling
• ensuring workers never attempt to restrain or stop an object while it is falling
• keeping the area around the object clear of obstructions
• having an appropriate traffic management plan
• confirming workers involved in the activities are aware of the weight of the object to be loaded
• consultation regarding the work and related risks must occur between the PCBU and workers and others whose health and safety is likely to be affected.

If manual handling of an object (for example, commercial refrigerators) is necessary then the PCBU should:

• provide workers with instruction, training and supervision on safe work procedures.
  • Training and instruction should be provided to workers by a competent person in an easy-to-understand manner
• train workers in the safest system of work to handle the object
• ensure goods are handled between the knee and shoulder height by using pallet jacks, pallet rollers, trolleys or adjustable conveyers
• information available should include the rating for equipment, such as trolleys, that is used at the workplace and what loading limits may apply based on the products
• provide sufficient number of workers to manage the load safely.

The Hazardous manual tasks Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 1.38 MB) (the code), in section 2.1, provides information on identifying hazardous manual tasks. The code states that a manual task is hazardous if it involves any of the following characteristics:

• repetitive of sustained force
• high or sudden force
• repetitive movement
• sustained and/or awkward posture
• exposure to vibration.

When plant is being used to lift or load objects, the person with management or control of the equipment at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the plant used is specifically designed to lift or load objects. The person must ensure the lifting and loading is carried out:

• with lifting attachments suitable for the load being lifted
• within the safe working limits of the plant for stability and strength.
• using established exclusion zones around the plant and adjoining areas to prevent people from entering the area. The size of the exclusion zone should be based on a written risk assessment
• ensure the use of adequate load rated restraint equipment
• develop a safe system of work for the loading of objects. This could include, but is not limited to:
  • ensuring the workload and pace of work accommodates the physical demands of the manual tasks. Where possible, work should be organised to minimise multiple handling and improve the flow of work. For example, you can improve workflow by:
    • having objects loaded and moved mechanically to the location or work area where they will be used
    • locating storage areas close to distribution areas.
  • ensuring trolleys and other plant and equipment at the workplace are inspected, maintained and repaired according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications. Plant inspection should be conducted in accordance with a regular maintenance system to identify:
    • deficiencies in plant or the equipment associated with use of the plant (wear and tear, corrosion and damaged plant parts)
    • adverse effects of changes in processes or materials associated with plant
    • inadequacies in control measures that have been previously implemented.

Any remaining risk must be minimised with suitable personal protective equipment. For example:

• use hard hats, steel cap boots, eye protection, hearing protection and high visibility vests
• safety footwear should be:
  • suitable for the type of work and environment
  • comfortable with an adequate non-slip sole and appropriate tread
  • checked regularly to ensure treads are not worn away or clogged with contaminants.

Adopting and implementing higher order controls, before considering administrative or Personal protective equipment (PPE) controls, will significantly reduce the likelihood of a similar incident occurring. The control measures you put in place should be reviewed regularly to make sure they work as planned.

Young workers

When selecting the best way to control exposure to the risks for young workers, PCBUs should follow the risk management process set out in the How to manage work health and safety risks Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB)

PCBUs must also ensure the work environment, and the way young employees do their job, is safe and healthy, regardless of the type and terms of their employment. Communication by PCBUs is important to ensure there is a positive understanding by young workers of the hazards, risks and controls with good monitoring and supervision, then confirm the risks are being managed appropriately.

Employers of young workers should:

• understand their risk profile
• ensure a safe and healthy workplace
• provide information, training, instruction, and supervision
• develop a positive workplace culture.

Consider the tasks you give to new and young workers and their skills, abilities, and experience. Before a young person begins work, a PCBU should:

• identify the gaps in the worker's knowledge and assess their ability to work safely (competency should be tested)
• not accept a young worker's assurance that they are experienced and competent.

It's important for young workers to actively participate in the way work health and safety is managed. This means taking induction and training seriously, using the risk management process for work tasks, and asking for help before starting a task they're not familiar with or comfortable carrying out. Young workers should have an understanding of workplace risks, particularly the tasks being undertaken and how these risks are controlled.