SA: Company fined after front-end loader runs over manager

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2009
SA: Company fined after front-end loader runs over manager

ADELAIDE, Feb 16 AAP - A South Australian asphalt manufacturer has been fined $30,000
after a manager was run over by a front-end loader.

PMP (SA) & Associates Pty Ltd was convicted in the SA Industrial Relations court after
pleading guilty to one count of breaching the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act.

SafeWork SA prosecuted the firm after investigating the May 2005 incident.

It said the company's operations manager was struck by a reversing front-end loader
as he and another employee went to inspect bins in the plant's asphalt yard.

"The loader's rear wheel ran over both of the man's legs, then up to his shoulder and
arm, resulting in multiple fractures," a SafeWork SA spokesman said.

The manager was off work for nearly two and a half years, but successfully returned
to duties on a gradual basis.

SafeWork SA found there was no traffic control nor any other safety system in place
to separate people from heavy vehicle operating in the yard.

"Investigators also found there was insufficient information, instruction, training
and supervision for workers on the dangers of such vehicles operating there," the spokesman
said.

The company upgraded its safety systems after the incident and cooperated with authorities,
he said.

"We've investigated a number of serious incidents of this kind in the past and all
could have been avoided had proper account been taken of the dangers inherent in having
heavy machinery on the move near people."

AAP lcs/tnf

KEYWORD: LOADER

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