Queensland automotive mechanic run over by vehicle

Earlier this year, a Queensland worker was run over by a vehicle while servicing it on sloping ground. Preliminary findings indicate the worker was underneath the vehicle while the driver was sitting in the cab with the engine running. It appears the vehicle has then moved forward unexpectedly and run over the mechanic. The injured man was then transported to Rockhampton Base Hospital for treatment.

The vehicle involved has been seized and investigations into this incident are continuing.

Preventing a similar incident
A number of Queensland workers have been seriously injured or killed due to a vehicle not being effectively immobilised while work is being done underneath it.

The risk of the vehicle moving in an uncontrolled or unexpected manner must be managed by ensuring appropriate controls are put in place. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ensure the hand brake is on.
Wheels are chocked on both sides of the vehicle using serviceable purpose-built chocks.
The keys are removed from the vehicle’s ignition and secured.
Vehicle is raised on a pillar hoist with all wheels off the ground.
Work takes place on a flat even surface that is able to bear the general load of the vehicle and is able to bear the point load of jacks/lifting equipment.
A lockout system or warning sign is in place to prevent the vehicle from being started, or the vehicle or any part of it being inadvertently moved.
The driver is fully aware of the mechanic’s presence and requirements.
Install a handbrake warning system to alert drivers when the handbrake has not been applied (these can be easily retro-fitted).
Information on preventing similar incidents involving heavy vehicles and trailers hitting or crushing workers is available from the safety alert listed below.

Prosecutions and compliance
In May 2017, a company was fined $60,000 following the death of a worker who was run over by a truck/trailer. The worker was observed lying under the back of the trailer to check on bouncing that had occurred while driving. Moments later, the truck/trailer began moving backwards. The trailer wheels rolled over the worker, followed by the wheels of the truck. He received head and torso injuries which ultimately resulted in his death.

In December 2016, a company was fined $60,000 following the death of a worker who was run over by a vehicle. The vehicle, a prime mover and trailer, appeared to have trouble with releasing its trailer brakes. The deceased went to the rear of the trailer and attempted to release a trailer brake. When the vehicle began rolling backwards on a slight incline, he tried to re-engage the maxi-brake. In doing so, he was struck by the trailer wheels.

Six months earlier, a company was fined $120,000 after a worker who was operating a six tonne mobile ‘yard’ crane to perform load-shifting of steel product was killed. The worker was seen running alongside the crane which was travelling down a slope, uncontrolled, with no person in the operator’s seat. He was subsequently struck or tripped, run over and killed by the crane. The worker was not licensed to operate this type of crane.

Are You A Workshop Owner or Manager In Need Of Expert Help?
ISOsafe offer Safety compliance help to businesses Australia-wide. One of our Specialists will visit your workplace to review your processes and documents. Based on this, we will provide you with advice, compliance documents, training and a detailed report containing areas for improvement. Protect your people today; call ISOsafe on 1300 789 132.

Posted on January 26, 2018 by ISOsafe Team and tagged mechanic auto mechanic injru injured at work mechanic injury work auto.

Work Safe Victoria Release New Workplace Death Stats

WorkSafe is urging Victorian workplaces to re-think their approach to safety following a rise in the number of fatalities at work in 2017.

A total of 27 Victorians lost their lives as a result of an incident at a workplace last year - the highest toll since 2009.

This includes 14 deaths from incidents on farms, which is the highest number of farm fatalities since 2004.

Tragically, the first Victorian workplace death of 2018 also occurred on a farm. Last Thursday, a stock agent in his 50s was trampled to death while drafting cattle on a farm at Georges Creek near Albury Wodonga.

WorkSafe's Head of Operations and Emergency Management, Adam Watson said the horrific 2017 toll showed that employers and workers needed to think more constructively about what they could do to improve safety at work.

"This toll is more than a statistic. It represents families and friendship circles missing loved ones, workplaces devastated by the death of a colleague, and local communities left with a gap that can never be filled," Mr Watson said.

"Employers and workers need to focus on how they can contribute to making their workplace safer. Who would hesitate to take steps to improve safety at work if it meant saving the life of someone they cared about?"

Mr Watson said that while the circumstances of each fatality varied, the failure to identify and adequately manage hazards was a common theme, especially on farms and where vehicles were involved.

He said older workers continued to be over-represented in the statistics.

"Employers, particularly those using farm vehicles such as quad bikes, need to remind their workers to recognise risks and prioritise safety before attempting a task," Mr Watson said.

"Age and experience can never be an excuse to forget about safety. Nine of the people who died last year were over the age of 65, and 23 were aged 45 or older.

"Many of those who died were doing tasks they have done many times before, so it is important that everyone takes the time to plan their day with safety in mind.

"Together we must do more to reduce this terrible toll."

Of the 2017 fatalities:
• 20 occurred in regional Victoria and seven were in greater metropolitan Melbourne
• 16 involved vehicles or mobile machinery
• The eldest was a 98-year-old resident of a nursing home who fell while being transferred from a bed.
• The youngest was a six-year-old boy, who died after falling from a ride at the Rye Carnival in April.
• All but two were males.
• Nine were aged 65 or older.
• No deaths were recorded among workers aged from 15-26.

Workplace Fatalities by Year
2008 22
2009 30
2010 23
2011 25
2012 18
2013 21
2014 23
2015 19
2016 26
2017 27

Workplace Fatalities in 2017 by Age Group
0-15    1
15-24  0
25-34  1
35-44  2
45-54  7
55-64  7
65+    9 

Are You A Business Owner In Need Of Expert Help?
ISOsafe offer Safety and Wellbeing support to businesses Australia-wide. One of our Specialists will visit your workplace to review your processes and documents. Based on this, we will provide you with advice, compliance documents, training and a detailed report containing areas for improvement. Protect your people today; call ISOsafe on 1300 789 132.
 

Posted on January 26, 2018 by ISOsafe Team and tagged work death stats victoria worksafe vic vic worksafe safework vic vic worksafety robust Health & Safety Management System.

We Help Disability Service Providers Meet The ADHC Quality Requirements for Third Party Verification (TPV) - NSW Disability and Community Services Third Party Verification

ISOsafe help businesses that provide disability services, in NSW, to establish and maintain a quality management framework and achieve third party verification against the NSW Disability Services Standards, as required by Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC). ISOsafe will ensure your organisation excels under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Why Do All Disability Services Providers Need Third Party Verification (TPV)?
By meeting the quality requirements organisations will demonstrate a commitment to person centred practice and organisational continuous improvement.

If your organization is transitioning to the NDIS you also need to go through this TPV process.
Organizations operating under the NDIS are required to meet requirements detailed in the ADHC quality policy, until the National Disability Insurance Agency releases the National Quality and Safeguards Framework.

What is involved in Third Part Verification?
We make TPV simple. 
We Fast Track your ADHC compliance in 3 steps:
Step 1: We will visit your workplace to carry out a Gap Analysis and prepare a detailed Report outlining Areas For Improvement.
Step 2: We’ll then set up the necessary Policies, Procedures and Forms. All the while, conducting a SWOT Analysis.
Step 3: We’ll support you on the big day and be there for your Third Party Verification Audit.  

How Can ISOsafe Assist You?
Peace of mind and assurance. 
Nobody wants to see you fail Third Party Verification Audit. The TPV Audit is a costly and time consuming process. 
Don’t get left behind. Save money and avoid the headache. Get expert help today.

Looking For More Information?
Call ISOsafe today on 1300 789 132 to arrange a free consultation with one of our Specialists

Already Achieved TPV, Looking to Renew your Third Party Verification?
Organisations with TPV are required to undergo a new TPV assessment during the term of each funding agreement (2015-18).


We ensure compliance with:
National Disability Services
Family and Community Services
Third Party Verification
TPV
NDSS
NDIS
FACS

Posted on January 23, 2018 by ISOsafe Team and tagged tpv facs ndss ndis Third Party Verification adhc National Disability Services Ageing Disability and Home Care.