Issue Date:  -  Friday, 3 June 2005

Court case leads to reminder on new and young workers – Dummett Enterprises Pty Ltd and Galtis Pty Ltd

A Mandurah boat-building company has been fined $10,000 for failing to provide a safe workplace after an apprentice sustained serious injuries while welding a boat last year.

Dummett Enterprises Pty Ltd and Galtis Pty Ltd – trading as Bouvard Marine - was convicted in the Magistrate’s Court of WA Mandurah Registry this week of failing to provide a safe workplace and as a result of that failure, causing serious harm to a person.

In February 2004, a 20-year-old apprentice welder employed by Group Training South West was instructed to weld a seat on a boat at Bouvard Marine, but was given no other instruction or supervision.

When the apprentice struck an electric arc to start his welder, he was blasted into the air by an explosion, suffering burns, shrapnel wounds and serious injuries to his back and legs.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that the case was a timely reminder to all employers of the importance of providing employees – especially new and young workers – with the appropriate training and instruction needed to carry out tasks.

“The young man who was injured was not provided with any equipment with which to detect the presence of flammable or explosive substances prior to starting the welding, and this formed the crux of this prosecution,” Ms Lyhne said.

“However, I also have grave concerns about the fact that the employer failed to either make the apprentice aware of the potential hazards in the situation, or to ensure there was adequate supervision provided.

“It is essential to ensure that safe work practices are in place and enforced in a situation in which an ignition source is being used where there could be fuel or fuel vapors.

“The employer should have been aware of the danger, and should have made absolutely certain that the apprentice was also aware of it and provided with the equipment to test for flammable or explosive substances.

“This employer’s failure to provide a safe work environment has led to a young man suffering serious and permanent injuries that have already had a profound effect on his young life and will most likely continue to affect his life and job prospects for many years to come.”

New and young workers has been established as one of WorkSafe’s priority areas – areas that have been shown to have a higher than average number of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.

These priority areas are specifically targeted for education and enforcement activities wherever it is appropriate.

In addition, the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health has published a Code of Practice for the Safety and Health of Children and Young People in the Workplace.

“This tragic incident should serve as a reminder to any employer who has new or young employees in the workplace to ensure they are provided with adequate and appropriate induction, training and supervision at all times,” Ms Lyhne said.

Further information on new and young workers and copies of the Code of Practice can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777, or on the website at www.safetyline.wa.gov.au.