Glass sheets crush worker (27 November 2019)
A 53-year-old worker fractured his femur and pelvis after being crushed by unrestrained glass sheets, which fell from an A-frame, when a sheet he was cleaning shattered while suspended from a crane.
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.The investigation
Safety information
Businesses are reminded of their duty to identify hazards and manage risks to health and safety in accordance with the provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working with glass. Make sure:
- you never attempt to restrain glass by hand
- you use a rack or transport frame to securely store, cradle, lift, transport and restrain glass sheets
- all glass sheets are restrained
- you never stand in front of glass sheets when loading or unloading from a rack, trolley or A-frame
- you always have a plan when lifting glass sheets – consider the work area, and the size and weight of the sheets
- you use the right mechanical aid – glass lifting grab, clamp, vacuum or suction cup lifter –depending on the size and weight of the glass sheets
- you keep mechanical aids in good working order
- no-one works under a suspended load or in any potential fall zones
- workers not involved in moving, cleaning or storing glass are kept away from the work area.