Worker injured by projectile (7 January 2023)
A 32-year-old worker sustained a serious leg injury after being struck by a projectile in a rail corridor in Sydney. At the time of the incident the worker was in the vicinity of an excavator that was using a mulching attachment to carry out de-vegetation work.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with mobile plant.
Ensure:
- exclusions zones are established in line with manufacturer’s recommendations
- the parameter for exclusions zones recommended by the manufacturer is incorporated into safe work method statements
- pre-starts include thorough checks of plant including attachments by a competent person
- plant and attachments are maintained in a safe condition and operated in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
- workers are provided with adequate information, training, instruction, and supervision to protect them from plant related risks
- all duty holders are consulted on the risks associated with the tasks.
Related guidance material
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace – Code of Practice (PDF, 1987.96 KB)
- Working with or around mobile plant safety – Safety Alert
- Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination – Code of Practice (PDF, 635.62 KB)
- Prepare safe work method statement