Dangerous machines endanger lives - act now before it’s too late

WorkSafe statistics reveal almost 450 body parts have been amputated from Victorian workers by common types of machinery used in Victorian workplaces over the last five years.

The amputations, together with cuts, crushing and other injuries to nearly 11,000 workers have led to a $220 million bill for medical treatment, rehabilitation and income support during the same period.

More than half of these injuries came out of workplaces in Victoria’s traditional manufacturing and logistics corridor around greater Melbourne - from Geelong to Dandenong. These injuries were caused by machines that cut, mix or convey materials and common power tools.

A recent spate of prosecutions and serious injuries involving dangerous machines has prompted a WorkSafe call for businesses to do all they can to make machines safer and help reduce the number of injuries.

In the last four years, almost $2 million in fines has been imposed on employers following WorkSafe prosecutions relating to unguarded and unsafe machines.

“There’s still too many workers being hurt by common types of machines,” WorkSafe’s Health and Safety Operations General Manager, Lisa Sturzenegger, said.

“If we’re going to keep Victoria the safest place to work, employers have to do more to control dangerous machines.

“We know they’re essential to many businesses, but they can be dangerous and must be controlled.

“The risks dangerous machines pose are well known, with cheap and effective solutions freely available.”

WorkSafe’s statistics reveal of the nearly 11,000 injuries related to dangerous machines in the last five years:

• 71% (7733) occurred in manufacturing, construction, transport, warehousing and storage industries;
• 27% (2952) involved cuts and lacerations to the body;
• 32% (3453) involved workers’ hands and fingers; and,
• 441 body parts were amputated, with 98% (433) of all amputations involving hands and fingers being torn off the body.

To make machines safe, ensure:

•  The machinery is not broken and has all the appropriate parts.
•   A person could not be injured using or maintaining the machine.
•   The machinery is properly guarded and safety interlocks are regularly checked before operating.
•   People do not operate the machinery without the guarding attached.
•   Production schedules allow for safe operation.
•   Operator controls are easily accessible and clearly labelled. Warning lights and sounds are working.
•   Energy supplies and services such as power, water and air are physically isolated before any maintenance is done.
•   Energy stored in the machines such as spring tension, gravity or hydraulic pressure is released before maintenance is done.
•   Workers are provided with regular information about the hazards associated with machinery and how to operate them safely.
•   Workers can identify when the machinery is not safe to use.
•   Supervisors regularly check to see workers are operating/cleaning the machine the right way.
•   Untrained workers are not allowed to operate or maintain machinery.

Over the next 12 months, WorkSafe inspectors will be upping the ante on employers to control dangerous machines by ensuring they are properly guarded, have emergency controls in place, and train and supervise their workers properly.

Inspectors will be issuing safety improvement notices to companies to ensure risks are controlled.

To find out more about how to make machines safe, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/plant.