LOGIC BUSINESS RESOURCES

NT WorkSafe has issued a safety alert on the dangers of having any unauthorised person in a hazdardous work area. Children are particularly at risk.
To minimise the risks, ensure that:

• there is clear separation or demarcation of high-risk work areas;
• there is no unauthorised access to workshop, work and storage areas;
• equipment, tools and materials are stored appropriately;
• hazard identification and risk assessments have been carried out;
• ‘No Access’ signs are installed to warn unauthorised people not to enter the area;
• barriers are installed for hazardous work areas;
• and risk controls are implemented for any identified hazards

This safety alert can be accessed HERE

WorkSafe Victoria has issued a safety alert to warn workers about the dangers of jump-starting flat batteries in powered mobile plant, such as tractors.

The alert comes after a worker suffered fatal crush injuries when he attempted to jump-start a tractor, which caused the tractor to lurch forward when the engine started. To avoid a similar incident, ensure that workers who operate mobile plant:

• are provided with the operator handbook;
• are aware of how to safely service a flat battery;
• only ever start the engine when they are seated in the driver’s seat while the plant is in neutral or park and the handbrake is on;
• never start the engine when someone is in the vicinity of the plant; and
• always complete a pre-start check before operating plant.

Ensure workers charging batteries wear suitable personal protective equipment and that there is adequate ventilation and no naked flames. The flat battery should be removed and either charged with a suitable battery charger or replaced with a new or fully charged battery.

This safety alert can be accessed HERE

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has issued a safety alert on the risks of having inadequate support under outrigger feet on mobile plant to prevent the plant from overturning. To prevent an incident from occurring, ensure that:

• mobile plant is not resting on soft ground – soft ground can be disguised by a thin, dry crust on the surface where the ground has dried out
• caution is exercised if the ground is made up of fill, such as broken concrete, bricks, metal and timber
• mobile plant is located away from excavations, trenches and flowing water, such as creeks;
• material used under outrigger feet is adequate for ground conditions
• outrigger feet are kept level
• the operating instructions from the mobile plant manufacturer are always followed;
• mobile plant operations are provided with sufficient training, instruction and supervision, and
• where necessary, a geotechnical engineer is engaged to assess the ground and ensure it is suitable

This safety alert can be access HERE