Warning on stacking practices
Issue Date: - Thursday, 11 December 2008
WorkSafe has issued a reminder on safe systems of work when stacking goods following the deaths of four WA workers over the past 20 months in incidents involving stacking procedures.
A 17-year old labourer was killed on November 24 when a bundle of timber sheets fell on him, and a 22-year-old apprentice died in March after also being crushed under a stack of wooden sheets.
In January, a 37-year-old man died when he was struck by steel that fell when racking collapsed, and in March 2007 a 43-year-old labourer was crushed between two large sheets of stone.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that although WorkSafe was still investigating these incidents and could not comment on the specifics of the cases, it was important to issue a reminder on safe systems of work when stacking goods.
“It is crucial that stacked goods are secured in position and do not exceed their capacity to remain in place because the outcome may be tragic,” Ms Lyhne said.
“In two of the incidents, it seems at this early stage that timber sheets were stacked vertically on the floor leaning up against a wall.
“Although it is still to be confirmed, it appears the employees involved in handling the sheets were crushed when the sheets tipped past the vertical and fell, crushing them.
“If racking is being used, it is also extremely important to ensure it is not overloaded to the point of collapse.
“The fact that four workers have died in the past 20 months also leads to the question of how many near-misses and injuries might have taken place in similar circumstances.
“Employers whose workplaces include areas where goods are stacked need to ensure the risk of injury is minimised by using a system for securely racking and/or strapping the goods.
“The risk of manual handling injuries needs to be minimised, and workers engaged in the storage, movement and handling of heavy materials need to be adequately trained to undertake the tasks safely.
“I strongly urge employers to ensure that safe systems of work are in place and implemented at all times to minimise the risk of any further deaths or serious injuries which may involve the stacking of goods.”
Further information on safe systems of work and manual handling can be obtained be telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.