Excavator Safety Reminder After Worker Seriously Injured During Demolition
Excavator Safety Reminder After Worker Seriously Injured During Demolition
A South Australian demolition company has been fined after a worker suffered life-changing injuries when he was struck by an excavator during demolition works, highlighting the importance of exclusion zones and communication around mobile plant.
According to SafeWork SA, the worker was sorting demolition debris while an excavator was operating nearby when the excavator bucket became caught on a tree root. The sudden movement caused the bucket to swing towards the worker, resulting in a severe crush injury that led to the amputation of part of his foot. Investigators found the company had failed to adequately enforce key safety measures, including maintaining an exclusion zone around the excavator, using an effective communication system between workers and the operator, and ensuring a spotter was present when required.
The incident serves as an important reminder that even experienced operators and ground workers can be exposed to serious risks when working close to moving plant.
What This Means for the Earthmoving Industry
Every earthmoving business should regularly review its site safety procedures, particularly when workers and mobile plant are operating in the same area.
Some key reminders include:
Establish and enforce exclusion zones around operating machinery.
Ensure operators and ground workers maintain clear communication at all times.
Use spotters where visibility is limited or workers are required near operating plant.
Stop work immediately if people enter the machine’s operating zone.
Review Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) before commencing high-risk activities.
Simple procedures can prevent incidents that have life-changing consequences for workers, their families and businesses.
Earthworks Hub Take
Excavators are among the most versatile machines on any job site, but they also present significant hazards when people are working nearby. Maintaining separation between workers and moving plant should never become routine or be left to chance.
Taking a few extra minutes to review exclusion zones and communication procedures before work begins could prevent a serious injury or save a life.
Original source: Read the full SafeWork SA prosecution and safety information on the SafeWork SA website.
Excavator Safety Reminder After Worker Seriously Injured During Demolition
Excavator Safety Reminder After Worker Seriously Injured During Demolition
Excavator Safety Reminder After Worker Seriously Injured During Demolition
A South Australian demolition company has been fined after a worker suffered life-changing injuries when he was struck by an excavator during demolition works, highlighting the importance of exclusion zones and communication around mobile plant.
According to SafeWork SA, the worker was sorting demolition debris while an excavator was operating nearby when the excavator bucket became caught on a tree root. The sudden movement caused the bucket to swing towards the worker, resulting in a severe crush injury that led to the amputation of part of his foot. Investigators found the company had failed to adequately enforce key safety measures, including maintaining an exclusion zone around the excavator, using an effective communication system between workers and the operator, and ensuring a spotter was present when required.
The incident serves as an important reminder that even experienced operators and ground workers can be exposed to serious risks when working close to moving plant.
What This Means for the Earthmoving Industry
Every earthmoving business should regularly review its site safety procedures, particularly when workers and mobile plant are operating in the same area.
Some key reminders include:
Simple procedures can prevent incidents that have life-changing consequences for workers, their families and businesses.
Earthworks Hub Take
Excavators are among the most versatile machines on any job site, but they also present significant hazards when people are working nearby. Maintaining separation between workers and moving plant should never become routine or be left to chance.
Taking a few extra minutes to review exclusion zones and communication procedures before work begins could prevent a serious injury or save a life.
Original source: Read the full SafeWork SA prosecution and safety information on the SafeWork SA website.
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