Warning to users of mechanical equipment

14/5/94

A recent fatality and several serious injuries involving mechanical equipment has prompted the State Government to appeal to operators of mechanical equipment to take the utmost care.

Mechanical equipment injuries accounted for more than one-third of all workplace injuries in Western Australia in 1992-93, according to the latest Government statistics released today in a 'State of the Work Environment' report.

Mechanical equipment injuries included those caused by machinery, mobile plant and transport equipment and non-powered hand tools.

Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath said today that there were 9,830 lost-time injuries and diseases attributed to mechanical equipment during 1992-93, resulting in an average of four weeks' work lost in each case.

"The most serious accidents have highlighted the fact that more attention is needed in some specific areas," Mr Kierath said.

"In particular, those working with mechanical equipment should - wherever possible - have another person around who is conversant with the operation of the machinery and can lend assistance if necessary.

"But if work must be undertaken alone, more precautions than usual should be taken, ensuring that isolation switches are obvious and signposted in case they need to be located quickly.

"The recent tragic fatality in Northam emphasises this need, as the victim was working alone and those who came to help him had no idea how to operate the machinery involved.

"Two other recent serious accidents - one in which a man lost both legs in a brick-making machine, and the other in which a man lost an arm in a conveyor belt mishap - highlight the need to stringently ensure machines are turned off and have stopped moving before they are touched."

Mr Kierath said it was vital designers and manufacturers of machines built them for maximum safety and that employers train their employees for safe use.

Media contact:  Brian Coulter 222 9595 or 481 2133