Major Safety Overhaul Follows Workplace Amputation
A Tomago business has committed to significant safety improvements after a worker suffered a devastating amputation injury at its facility. Colas NSW entered into an enforceable undertaking with SafeWork NSW following the incident that occurred on June 22, 2022 at the company's Kennington Drive plant.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The life-altering incident occurred when a Colas worker's left arm became caught in a moving conveyor during non-routine maintenance work. The plant had been switched off for the maintenance, but the conveyor was unexpectedly reactivated while work was being performed.
The worker suffered traumatic injuries resulting in the amputation of their left arm just above the elbow. Following extensive recovery, the employee returned to work on modified duties in September 2022 and transitioned to a production role in April 2023, where they received retraining and use of a specially modified work vehicle.
Enforceable Undertaking and Safety Commitments
SafeWork NSW investigated the incident and alleged Colas contravened the Work Health and Safety Act by failing its duty of care and not complying with health and safety obligations. Instead of prosecution, the parties agreed to an enforceable undertaking - a legally binding agreement requiring specific safety improvements.
In the undertaking, Colas expressed "sincere regret" for the incident and extended sympathy to the injured worker, their family, and affected colleagues. The company immediately shut down all operations at its Tomago asphalt plant for investigations, with the shutdown lasting four months.
The company invested $1.1 million upgrading the Tomago facility, with particular focus on improved guarding and safe access to the pit where the incident occurred.
Broader Industry Safety Initiatives
The enforceable undertaking requires Colas to implement several significant safety initiatives beyond the immediate facility upgrades. The company must trial and implement technology to minimise collisions between plant equipment and workers on foot.
Additionally, Colas will develop a program to enhance awareness and create opportunities in the construction industry for people with autism spectrum disorder, sharing this program industry-wide. The company will also conduct an internal review and develop detailed processes to address "out of sight, out of mind" areas in the flexible pavement industry, sharing these findings with the broader sector.
Colas NSW stated its commitment to ensuring, "as far as reasonably practicable, the ongoing health and safety of its workers and other persons." The company had no prior work health and safety convictions before this incident.
