Leg crush results in $300k investment for health and safety improvements at logistics company

A Victoria-based cold chain logistics company has agreed to spend almost $300,000 to improve health and safety outcomes after a worker’s leg was crushed.

On 23 July 2024, at the Werribee Magistrates Court, Newcold Melbourne No.2 entered an enforceable undertaking (EU) while facing charges of failures across the board, which included:

• Failure to provide and maintain a safe plant,
• Failing to provide a safe system of work,
• Failing to provide necessary information, instruction, training and supervision.

In September 2021, a worker attempted to move a pallet that was obstructing a pedestrian crossover point on the automated conveyor belt at the company’s warehouse in Truganina.

Upon attempting to move the pallet, the pallet knocked the worker when the conveyor belt suddenly started working, which caused his foot to slip and become trapped in an opening between two rollers. The worker then proceeded to fall backwards, and the pallet rolled over and crushed his leg.

WorkSafe alleged that it was reasonably practicable for the company to install a system that allowed workers to stop the conveyor belt at pedestrian crossover points, including warnings and visual alarms, as well as provide a safe system for crossing over the conveyor, including isolating the plant.

The estimated $293,012 undertaking requires the company to:

• Install security access gates at crossover points to limit access to workers who have been trained in the crossover requirements.
• Engage an occupational physician to complete a study on the impacts of working in low-oxygen environments, with recommendations to minimise the physical and psychological effects of working in hypoxic conditions.
• Donate $30,000 to the OHS Body of Knowledge to deliver benefits to the industry and community.

WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Sam Jenkin said: “Working around machinery is often high risk, and it’s critical that duty holders not only ensure that plant and systems for using it are safe, but that all workers have the training, instruction and supervision needed to reduce these risks.”

“This company’s investment in knowledge for the broader cold chain logistics industry and to further its own safety systems and processes will provide tangible benefits that could help prevent similar incidents in the future.”

The company failed to provide their employees with information, training, and instruction about the overall risks of operating the conveyor belt and how to do so safely. Hopefully, with this training, future incidents similar to this one can be avoided.