Protect your employees or pay the price!

In July 2021 a serious incident occurred at the National Steel Workplace Pty Ltd in WA whereby a teenage apprentice suffered severe burns whilst undertaking welding tasks without wearing appropriate fire-retardant clothing and without close supervision. The reason the worker was not provided the relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) was simply because the business completed its annual allocation of such gear before it hired him. 
 
As a result of the incident, the worker went on to suffer long-term pain, an infection, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and did not return to work. This incident was not reported to WorkSafe, but the agency started investigated the incident five (5) months later after a WorkSafe inspector undertook a proactive visit to the work premises. 
 
It was determined that the breaches included;

• failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment and causing the 16-year-old boy to sustain serious burn injuries because of that failure; 

• lack of supervision, especially due to his age and that he was an apprentice; and 

• not receiving a formal induction that included workplace safety instructions.

The business pleaded guilty to contravening WA’s now-repealed Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 through the provision of the unsafe environment and by failing to notify WorkSafe WA of the July 2021 incident. The business was fined $350,000 for two safety breaches in addition to $5,295 in costs.  
 
If you are unsure whether your business complies with current OHS legislation, regulation and codes, please contact the HRAnywhere advisory team on 1300 208 828 or info@hranywhere.com.au.