Worker injured during agricultural irrigation installation (21 November 2024)
A 24-year-old male worker was undertaking labouring duties for the installation of a new agricultural irrigation system at a farm site when he was tasked with ‘flushing’ the newly installed poly irrigation lines. Whilst undoing the clamps housing the pump filter, a solid plastic cap shot upwards under significant pressure, striking him in the mouth and nose area. He sustained substantial facial injuries.
Image of filter/pump being worked on. Clamps/bolts were being removed from the green sleeve clamp at the top.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working with pressurised pumps, and with workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Ensure:
- work should be carried out by a suitably qualified irrigation technician / plumber
- workers are provided documentation on control measures for isolating energy to the plant and equipment when undertaking cleaning, servicing, repairing, or alteration
- workers receive adequate training and instruction in the correct use of plant
- competency systems are in place and validated prior to workers undertake high risk work
- procedures are translated to the appropriate dialects within your workplace
- appropriate supervision is in place for new workers during plant use and maintenance activities
- safe work procedures are implemented and followed by all workers
- the work environment and task are assessed for potential risks prior to work being undertaken
- workers wear adequate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- emergency plans are prepared, maintained and implemented.
Related guidance material
- Plant, Equipment and Machinery Energy Isolation Guidelines (PDF, 10885.87 KB)
- Code of Practice - Managing the risks of plant in the workplace (PDF, 1987.96 KB)
- SafeWork WHS Toolkit
- At Risk Workers
- Diversity in the workplace
- Pressurised pipe incident (29 November 2019)