Poorly designed tools responsible for work-related fatalities

Data released by Safe Work Australia indicates a high number of work-related fatalities could have been avoided if risks had been eliminated through safe design.

Of the 523 fatalities examined in the ‘Work-related fatalities associated with unsafe design of machinery, plant and powered tools, 2006-2011’ study, 36% or 188 fatalities were found to be either definitely or possibly design related. This means that design issues were specifically noted in the Coroner’s, prosecution or police reports or that there are existing solutions for these design issues that could have been applied and might have prevented the fatality.

“Good design - safe design - is the most effective and durable way to keep workers safe. If we can eliminate hazards and risks during the design of new machinery and equipment or by including an aftermarket enhancement, then we can reduce injuries and fatalities in the workplace,” said Michelle Baxter, Safe Work Australia’s CEO.

According to the report, the most common causes of design-related deaths were:

• Inadequate guarding (21%)
• Lack of roll-over protection structures/seat belts (15%)
• Lack of residual current device (12%)
• Lack of interlock (8%)
• Driver-obstructed vision (8%)

“The findings in this report should act as a serious reminder to all employers and managers to re-evaluate the safety of the machinery they use. An inexpensive modification or aftermarket add-on could save a worker’s life,” said Baxter.

‘Healthy and safe by design’ is one of seven action areas identified in the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022. For more information on safe design or to download the report, visit www.swa.gov.au.