Article #5

WorkSafe Victoria warns against working in close proximity to mobile plants.
16th May 2008
(http://www.ferret.com.au/c/WorkSafe-Victoria/WorkSafe-Victoria-warns-against-working-in-close-proximity-to-mobile-plants-n776627)

WorkSafe Victoria has warned against working in close proximity to mobile plant after a worker’s leg was broken at Narre Warren.WorkSafe Victoria’s investigation is at an early stage, but it is understood the Mulgrave man was carrying out maintenance work at the bottom of a three-metre deep pit when he was struck by the bucket of an excavator. The pit was part of stormwater management infrastructure.WorkSafe Victoria’s Construction and Utilities Director, Chris Webb said working near mobile plant was a high risk activity, particularly when in confined spaces. “If something goes wrong there is little margin for error and the consequences, as in this case, can be serious.”
It took several hours to rescue the injured man because of safety concerns. The CFA set up a tripod and winched rescuers down to help him out.Chris Webb said that this incident should prompt a review of safety measures in all workplaces.“Most deaths and injuries occur where people are doing what are, for them, routine tasks.”WorkSafe Victoria’s experience is that the incident that kills or leaves a permanent injury is not much different from one you can walk away from. Surviving a day at work should not be a matter of luck, but the result of consistent good practice and job-planning.“Safe workplaces are created and maintained as a result of regular safety reviews, discussion about known and potential hazards and the implementation of safety management plans,” Chris Webb said.“Employers, including labour hire firms, sub-contractors and primary contractors have obligations, as do individuals and those who commission work.”

ANALYSIS:
This article explains that Work Safe is investigating the risks of working near mobile plant especially in confined spaces after a man broke his leg in a related incident. The main concern here is that using mobile plant may seem routine and simple but in a confined space one small error could mean a serious injury or even a death. The article explains that the current injury to a Narre Warren man should not be seen as a once off but should be a warning that the safety codes in this area need to be reviewed to straighten any problems out. This is a smart move by Work safe, however seems to only be precautionary at this point, however its better to be safe than sorry in these cases. Working in confined spaces is always a dangerous especially with mobile plant around and this current injury in Narre Warren shows how easy it is for things to go wrong and is a clear message to always take the necessary planning and precautions before you start working on any job.