The Case

WorkSafe VIC v Reinforced Concrete Pipes Australia (Vic) Pty Ltd (2022)

On 22 November 2019, a worker at The Australian Pipe Company was tasked with cleaning a concrete plant. To carry out the cleaning, the worker was required to descend 4 metres to a lower level and remove concrete residue. Interlocked guarding and a light curtain were supposed to prevent access to danger areas, however these were deliberately bypassed so the plant could be entered while it was operating. The worker’s right hand became caught between moving parts of the machine, resulting in a partial amputation of two of his fingers and a partial de-gloving of three of his fingers.