Alerts

Workers foot amputated in screw conveyor

In July 2018, a worker was cleaning a decanter when he stepped back through an open grate into an operating screw conveyor, which amputated his foot just above his ankle.

Two workers burnt in chemical explosion

In May 2018, two workers were seriously injured in a fire, possibly caused by an explosion, while combining chemicals in a four bay metal garage. Both required hospital treatment for serious burns. Investigations are continuing.

Fall from edge protection system

In March 2018, a 19 year old worker sustained fracture injuries to both kneecaps, partially severed fingers on one hand and a severe laceration to his calf when he fell approximately three metres from a roof.

Inflatable water balls - electrical equipment near water

The purpose of this safety alert is to warn owners and operators of inflatable water balls about the risks of using or placing electrical equipment near a pool or body of water where these water balls are used. The large spheres are also known as ‘water walkers’, ‘hamster balls’ and ‘zorb water walking balls’.

Worker killed in skylight fall

In February 2018, a worker was killed after falling five metres onto a concrete floor. Early investigations indicate the worker was attending to a radio tower on the roof of a storage shed when a skylight has collapsed and he fell through to the floor below. Investigations are continuing.

Worker burned while lighting furnace

In January 2018, a worker received second degree burns while trying to pour fuel into the vent pipe of a furnace used for drying woodchips. The worker was attempting to light the furnace and spilled the fuel which then ignited resulting in burns to his hands, arms and legs. Investigations are continuing.

Worker burned in pump room explosion

On 11 January 2018 a worker was seriously injured in an explosion at a waste treatment plant at the Townsville golf club. Early investigations indicate this may have involved an explosive gas or substance in the pump room, but the ignition source has not been confirmed. The worker received extensive burns requiring hospital treatment. Investigations are continuing.

Guards and discs on angle grinders

The purpose of this safety alert is to highlight the risks associated with removing guards and using incorrect discs on angle grinders.

Worker struck in head by portable hydraulic jack

In September 2017, a worker sustained serious head injuries while operating a portable hydraulically powered jack. He was using the jack to expand a semi-circular shaped metal bracket when it dislodged and struck him in the face. He was found unconscious sometime after the incident occurred.

Roof collapse

The purpose of this safety alert is to highlight that sudden roof collapse can occur without warning. This alert provides guidance for building owners, schools, local government, building managers and body corporates about minimising the risk of roof collapse.

Impact protection for LPG cylinders

The purpose of this safety alert is to highlight the importance of adequate impact protection for LPG cylinders and to remind gas work licence holders and LPG delivery network operators of their responsibilities.

Billboard workers overhead powerlines electric shock

On 7 August 2017, two workers in an uninsulated elevating work platform contacted an 11 kV powerline with the six metre aluminium sail track they were reinstalling on a billboard. Both workers suffered a severe electrical shock and burns from contacting the high voltage lines.