Fingertips amputated after safety device bypassed on mower
Background
A worker in the Top End has had their fingertips amputated after an incident while operating a self-propelled lawn mower.
The incident occurred when the worker’s fingers went under the mower deck as they steadied the mower to adjust the cutting height. Preliminary findings indicate the blade control bar, which auto-stops the engine and blades when released, was tied down to the mower handle with wire, bypassing the safety device.
The tips of two fingers had to be amputated due to the injuries sustained.
During their preliminary enquiries, WorkSafe Inspectors also observed two ride-on mowers being operated (by another company) without pulley guards in place and with the roll-over protection structures folded down.
Disclaimer
The above information is based on preliminary findings from NT WorkSafe’s initial enquiries. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to these concerns and to determine the appropriate regulatory response that may be required.
Safety Information
Plant includes machinery, equipment, appliances, containers, implements and tools and any components or anything fitted or connected to those things. Plant are a major cause of work-related death and serious injury nationally. NT WorkSafe strongly urges all workplaces undertaking similar activities to ensure the following measures are in place, and that they are effective:
- Undertake Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC) beginning by identifying hazards related to the use of plant in the workplace using the Hazard Checklist, which is Appendix C of the Managing the risks of plant in the workplace Code of Practice
- Consider available control measures and implement the control measures that most effectively eliminate or minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable
- Follow the Northern Territory’s Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination Code of Practice, and consult your workers and their health and safety representatives when deciding how to manage the risks in the workplace, including when reviewing and making changes to existing processes
- Discuss the hazards identified and the control measures you have implemented at your next toolbox talk or team meeting
- Have systems which ensures all:
- Workers and duty holders have information, including the manufacturer’s guidelines, about the plant which enables them to fulfil their responsibilities in managing the risks associated with the plant in the workplace
- Persons in the workplace have appropriate training and instructions necessary to protect them from risks to their health and safety related to the use of plant in the workplace
- Plant requiring registration, and all work requiring licencing is compliant
- Persons in the workplace have appropriate PPE
- Check your maintenance schedules and ensure that all plant and machinery is maintained and repaired according to the manufacturer’s specifications
- Including all guarding is secured in place, and safety devices are working appropriately
- Before making any modifications to the plant, consult with the plant manufacturer, and
- Ensure workers complete pre-start checks before operating plant and machinery, and familiarise themselves with the operating manual and safety guidelines before use.
Further Information
For further information, please refer to the following.
Incident information release
- Three workers seriously injured in separate plant (machinery) incidents
- Workers seriously injured using machinery and power tools (plant)