The purpose of this safety alert is to inform workers, employers, builders and designers of the risk of sideways collapse of narrow concrete wall panels. Purpose The purpose of this safety alert is to inform workers, employers, builders and designers of the risk of sideways collapse of narrow concrete wall panels. Background In January 2019 a two-tonne pre-cast concrete wall panel fell s...

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has published comprehensive online guidance on managing Hendra virus risks, offering a user friendly catalogue of tips and advice about working safely with horses.Hendra virus is a sporadic disease of horses that can cause very serious illness in horses and humans. The natural hosts of Hendra virus are flying foxes.Human infection results from c...

In November 2018, a concrete pump operator has sustained serious injuries when his arm was caught in moving parts within the receiving hopper of a concrete pump. Early investigations indicate the worker was in the process of cleaning inside the concrete pump hopper when a moving component activated and seriously injured his arm.Investigations into this incident are continuing. Preventi...

A Queensland abattoir has been fined in the Maryborough Magistrates Court after it failed to ensure the health and safety of a worker and exposed him to the risk of death.The company was fined $200,000 for the death of a worker who suffered fatal injuries in 2017 when he was struck by a ramp while unloading a triple-deck truck laden with pigs.Colin Chivers, who initially suffered cri...

As we start the New Year it is a good time to remind all electrical workers to always test before you touch. Treat every circuit or piece of electrical equipment as live until tested and proven not to be live.When you correctly test before you touch, you can identify any faults that exist with the circuit connections of the installation or electrical equipment, before you commence work...

In November 2018, a man died when he fell from a boat on a hardstand area at a marina. Early investigations indicate he landed on the ground after falling from the rear of the boat near portable stairs used to access the boat while in dry dock. Investigations are continuing. Preventing a similar incident People accessing vessels on hardstands can be exposed to serious risks of falls. Fal...