Man Dies After being Electrocuted by Overhead Powerlines while Trimming Trees

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A case being investigated by WorkSafe reminds us to beware of overhead power-lines, especially when working from elevated work platforms.

A man was killed recently after being electrocuted by power-lines while trimming trees in Melbourne’s south east.

The incident involved a 26 year old worker who died when the cherry picker platform that he was on came into contact with live power-lines in Hughesdale.

Emergency services were called to the scene but the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

See more at http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/02/tree-trimmer-electrocuted-hughesdale/#.XHa3aLglE1m

Worker Impaled on Steel Reinforcing Bar on Construction Site

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A horrific construction accident has taken place at a Gosford construction site, highlighting the risks of slips, trips and falls on construction sites.

A man was impaled by a steel reinforcing bar after falling from one floor to another at a construction site.

The man, in his thirties, was working on the 8th floor when he tripped and fell to the floor below, landing on a steel bar, being impaled.

Paramedics arrived on the scene and freed the man before airlifting him to Gosford Hospital where he arrived in a serious but stable condition.

The incident is under investigation by Safe Work.

For more http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/02/worker-impaled-falling-gosford-construction-site/#.XGqp7LglE1l

Coroner Hands Down Findings on Ben Catanzariti Workplace Death

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The coroner has handed down his findings on the workplace death of Ben Catanzariti in 2012.

The accident took place 6 years ago on an ACT construction site.

Recently findings in the long awaited inquest were handed down in the ACT Coroner’s Court.

The coroner said based on the evidence that it was not possible to say what caused the bolts to fail that led to the young worker’s death.

The findings are similar to those reached by prosecutors years ago who dropped a criminal prosecution of the company involved following multiple reports suggesting various reasons of why the boom failed, hitting 3 workers, one of whom was Ben Catanzariti.

Read the full story at https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/act/coroner-hands-down-findings-in-ben-catanzariti-worksite-death-20190215-p50xyy.html

WorkSafe Clamps Down on Falling Objects on Construction Sites

In the past 5 years, 5 people have been killed by falling objects at Victorian building sites and 721 people have been injured.

To respond to this high rate of incidents, WorkSafe inspectors have been visiting construction sites across the state.

Falling items are of particular concern because they pose a risk to workers as well as others in streets near work sites.

A piece of timber fell 22 floors in January at a Southbank site, snapping in half while being lifted to a loading bay.

In a separate incident, MDF sheeting fell through an open window 63 floors to the ground.

A 48 year old man was killed and another worker was seriously injured after being struck by a load of concrete which fell from a crane at Box Hill.

WorkSafe health and safety executive director, Julie Nielsen reminded us that said even a small object can cause serious injuries when falling from a great height.

See more at https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/disaster-and-emergency/vic-builders-on-notice-over-falling-items-ng-s-1925733

Flu Warning for Workers in Queensland

Queenslanders are being urged to get a flu vaccination after 25 people have died in the state this year due to the illness.

According to Queensland Health people should get vaccinated as soon as possible with 10,000 flu cases having  been recorded this year alone.

Last year 43 people died as a result of the illness and the severity this year is expected to be worse.

Flu cases are up about 3 and a half times the aveage for this time of year.

This year 848 people in Queensland were admitted to hospital.

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-15/flu-deaths-in-queensland-doctors-urge-people-to-get-vaccine/11114082

Deadly Lung Disease- Silicosis Affecting Tradies Around Australia

Silicosis is the deadly lung disease affecting tradewokers around Australia and the problem is worse than we thought.
A recent article on 9News.com.au highlighted the story of one tradie who is suffering from the disease and has to use an inhaler to receive some relief from the pain. Doctors say one day he will have to use an oxygen tank.
The disease is fatal unless the patient receives a lung transplant.
Miners, construction workers and engineers are at risk but stonemasons are at particularly high risk because of the dust released when cutting kitchen benchtops, and the lack of suitable protection like breathing masks.

Workers Leg Crushed by Saw Blade in Workplace Accident

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Freak accidents are common occurrences on construction sites as a twenty-six year worker in New South Wales recently discovered.

The man sustained serious crush injuries after a saw blade fell onto his leg at a Sydney worksite recently.

It is believed the man was working at a West Pennant Hills site when the saw blade, estimated to weight one-tonne, fell and crushed his leg.

The man was treated by paramedics at the scene and rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital for further treatment.

The incident is under investigation by SafeWork NSW.

Source: http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/10/workers-leg-crushed-saw-blade-sydney-worksite/#.W-l-cOIlE1k

ACT Construction Overhaul Delayed by Search for Qualified Staff

According to the ACT’s planning minister Mick Gentleman, an overhaul of the state’s construction industry which was due to be finished at the end of last financial year will not be completed until 2020.

The suite of reforms announced in 2016 targeted “phoenixing” in particular, referring to the practice by dodgy builders of liquidating their assets and restarting under a new identity to avoid paying their creditors.

Among other things, the reforms also create new minimum standards, compliance measures and licensing standards for builders and certifiers.

The reforms are expected to be complete by the end of the Government’s term, in 2020.

See more at https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-07/act-government-misses-deadline-on-construction-industry-reforms/10472828

Company Fined $300,000 for Apprentice Electrocution Incident

A Melbourne electrical firm was recently convicted and fined $300,000 over an incident involving an apprentice in 2016.

The third year apprentice died from electrocution while laying cables at a property in Camberwell.

The company pleaded guilty to 2 charges for failing to ensure as far as reasonably practicable that the workplace was safe and without risk to health and for failing to supervise the worker.

The company was ordered to pay $6067 in costs.

The court heard that the 26 year old apprentice was sent to the property alone to install cables. He was working on the roof when his hand made contact with an exposed live wire and he was electrocuted.

An important lesson for employers here is that apprentice workers should be properly supervised at all times and particularly when engaging in high risk work such as work from heights.

In the construction industry it’s also crucial that workers are in possession of a White Card to prove they have completed general construction induction  training and have an idea of how to work safely on a construction site.

See more at: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/news/item/704-company-fined-$300,000-after-apprentice-electrocuted.html

Sydney Light Rail Project Workers Discover Human Bones

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Sydney light rail construction has undergone yet another delay, this time at workers found human remains while digging.

The workers were digging out the front of Central Station when they found bones which could have been there for more than 200 years.

Police were called and work on the $2.1 billion project grinded to a halt.

The site once belonged to the Devonshire Street Cemetary which was consecrated in 1820 so the discovery is not being treated as suspicious.

There are concerns that this discovery will further delay completion of the already controversial project.

See more at https://au.news.yahoo.com/delays-sydney-light-rail-project-human-remains-found-093152101.html