Recycling dangers highlighted by WorkSafe WA

Multiple deaths and injuries in the recycling industry have led WorkSafe WA to continue to focus on the industry in an effort to improve safety standards and prevent further serious incidents.

An inspection program run by WorkSafe WA in 2014/15 on the scrap metal recycling sector revealed issues with the safe movement of mobile plant and vehicles, as well as a lack of guarding on machinery and plant.

“During the most recent inspection program, we were disappointed to see that guarding of machinery was still a major issue,” said WorkSafe Acting Executive Director Chris Kirwin.

“Guarding of the moving parts of machinery is such a basic and easy precaution to take, and neglecting it can have devastating consequences.

“There have also been many serious and fatal incidents related to mobile plant and vehicle movement, and consequently it is one of WorkSafe’s priority areas.”

A further program run by WorkSafe expanded the scope of the inspections to other parts of the waste collection and recycling industry, such as plastics, e-waste, green waste, liquid waste and other materials.

According to WorkSafe WA, recent incidents in the waste recycling industry include:

• A worker suffered serious injuries when trapped in the mechanism of a paper baler.
• A worker was injured when struck by a forklift at a metal recycling workplace.
• A worker suffered very serious injuries when his hand was crushed in a baling machine at a metal recycling workplace.
• In August, a worker died at a recycling workplace as the result of a fall.
• In June, a worker was very badly burned in a fire at a drum recycling workplace and later died in hospital.
• A tyre recycling company pleaded guilty in court in relation to an incident in which a young worker had several fingers amputated.
• A recycling company was fined $85,000 over a worker who died when the roof of a prefabricated hut collapsed on him.

“In the light of the number of serious incidents we have seen recently, WorkSafe will continue to have a significant focus on the waste recycling industry with a view to ensuring employers are aware of their responsibilities in providing a safe and healthy workplace,” Kirwin said.

“A traffic management plan needs to be devised that addresses the risk associated with traffic movement, especially where vehicles and pedestrians interact in the same area.

“WorkSafe has devised a self-assessment tool for the safe movement of vehicles and plant in workplaces, and this is available for download from WorkSafe’s website.”

Lockout and tagging was also an area of concern raised from the inspections, illustrating the need to have lockout and tagging procedures in place and ensuring these procedures are enforced.

“Many workers have been seriously injured or killed when equipment they were working on has been left energised or accidentally activated, so it’s absolutely crucial that safe systems for work are in place,” said Kirwin.

WorkSafe will continue to monitor the waste recycling industry closely in an effort to reduce the number of potential hazards and ensure that employers have the information they need to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.

Further information on workplace safety and the self-assessment tool for the safe movement of vehicles and plant can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 307877, or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.