Fall from pallet racks results in fractured skull for worker

GPI Automotive Products has been convicted and fined after a worker who was checking the structural integrity of some pallet racks fell and dangerously landed head first onto the concrete floor.

Back in July 2021, while trying to load a 350-kilogram pallet using a walkie stacker, an operator suspected that the base of the pallet racks was unsafe and asked a fellow worker to check on the stability. The worker proceeded to climb the pallet racks, then banged his knee and fell.

He suffered a fractured skull and other serious injuries.

WorkSafe inspectors attended the dramatic incident and investigated the site, finding a number of breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.

Magistrate Evan Hughes noted that the company had failed on numerous fronts in terms of implementing its duty under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, which included:

• There was no discussion with workers about work health and safety.
• No safe systems of work were in place.
• There was no training on several safety hazards likely to be present at the workplace.
• Neither worker had done an induction nor had any instruction in using the walkie stacker or pallet racks safety equipment was not used.
• There was no Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for working at heights.

Although the company had no previous breaches or a history of non-compliance with work health and safety laws, the mistakes were egregious, which led to the devastating injuries of one of its workers.

Since this incident, however, the company has changed owners and made improvements to their work health and safety. This included the implementation of safety manuals and engaging specialist WHS (work health and safety) consultants to provide training to its workers.

Before implementing the fine, Magistrate Hughes also took into consideration that the company entered an early guilty plea. Paired with the changes they’ve already made to company procedures, it’s clear that GPI Automotive Products has shown remorse over the incident.

The company was convicted and fined $70,000 in the Launceston Magistrates Court on 4 July 2024.

Work Health and Safety regulator Robyn Pearce said: “I am pleased the prosecution against GP Automotive Products is now complete. This incident had a serious impact on the life of the worker involved.”

“This prosecution shows how important it is that employers have safety management systems in place to protect workers while they’re doing their job. Training, safe work procedures, inductions and other practices are important foundations for ensuring workers are safe.”

“While it is encouraging to see that the company made positive changes after this incident, I emphasise that all employers must be vigilant about the hazards and tasks in their workplaces to ensure the risk of harm to workers is properly managed.”