Simple steps to implement an exclusion zone and other available controls could have avoided a serious workplace accident, a Court in Victoria found. The Court fined an aluminium producer $30,000 following an incident in which a young worker was struck by a heavy load of aluminium bars.

Aluminium Specialities Group Pty Ltd develops and supplies aluminium products across Australia, employing approximately 200 staff in Victoria, including the injured worker who was 19 years old at the time of the incident.

At the worksite, the company used a bridge crane to move aluminium products. On one occasion, a 1-tonne load held by spreader bars and slings collapsed after one end of the sling released. The load fell on the worker who sustained serious injuries.

Following the incident, WorkSafe Victoria inspectors attended the workplace and observed various safety issues, including the lack of an exclusion zone or the use of a push-pull pole, which would also have eliminated the need for workers to enter any exclusion zone. 

The investigation established that the company had also failed to ensure that the bridge crane's spreader bar had safety catches on the hooks or, alternatively used bucket hooks, which have safety catches. This omission increased the risk of the load uncontrollably falling to the ground. The path of the load was also problematic as it went near, between and over other objects.

This case is a good example of the risks of failing to manage traffic in those workplace where vehicles or moving plant and pedestrians may come into contact. Find out how you can manage these risks in your workplace – and keep your workers safe while steering clear of the courts – in the Health & Safety Handbook chapter Traffic management.