1. White Card Update: Police investigate fatal work incident
The incident which occurred on Saturday morning involving a worker who was fatally injured
when a concrete pourer collapsed has highlighted the need for greater safety on construction
sites, especially when working with concrete mixers, pourers and other similar machinery.
This report on the police website details the incident:
ACT Policing is investigating a workplace incident at Kingston Foreshore this morning (Saturday
July 21) killing a man in his early 20s.
At about 9.44am police were called to a construction site where a concrete pourer had
collapsed injuring three workers.
ACT Ambulance arrived at the scene and tried to resuscitate the man without success. The two
injured workers have been transported to The Canberra Hospital for treatment.
ACT Policing are preparing a brief for the Coroner with the assistance of Work Safe ACT.
Anyone who is yet to speak to police and witnessed the incident is asked to call police on
131 444.
Source:
http://www.police.act.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/act/2012/july/police-investigate-fatal-
work-incident.aspx
The danger of concrete mixers is that it can affect a large number of workers, not just the
operator if something goes wrong. On construction sites concrete mixers are an important and
common fixture, therefore safe operation methods need to be communicated to workers through
training and provision of information. The danger of working on a construction site is bad
enough, but is compounded further by the danger of rotating machinery, which results in
numerous accidents on site every year. The majority of incidents that occurred involved the
entanglement of the workers clothing in the machinery, so workers should be aware of the
dangers involved and keep loose clothing and objects away from machinery. When working with
concrete mixers, or any plant and machinery workers may not be able to avoid working with
rotating components, so the risk needs to be managed.
By adhering to the following rules operators can make the construction site a safer place:
• Wear the appropriate safety glasses and hearing protection. Protective footwear, protective
clothing and appropriate gloves should be used. The use of electrical safety equipment should
also be enlisted.
• Before beginning to undertake your work, tuck in any loose clothing or long hair,
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2. • Confirm that the electric mixer has current electrical inspection & testing tag
• For electrical units ensure that leads are off the ground and connected through a safety switch
to prevent electrocution hazard
• Ensure ALL safety guards are secured in place, should an incident occur employers will be
held liable and fined for missing guards
• Ensure that the unit is mechanically sound and in good working condition
• For motor engines ensure fuel is sufficient and engine oil level okay to prevent any
malfunctions.
• Check that tyres for appropriately inflated
While investigations into the accident are still underway, concrete mixer safety is an issue that
should be attended to before it escalates to this extent. To avoid incidents make sure any
chemical, substance or cement spills are cleaned up immediately to eliminate slipping and
falling hazards. Cleaning of the mixer must be done with caution. No cleaning is to be
undertaken with the mixer on, ensure that the mixer is turned off. Displaying the appropriate
signage plays a crucial role in the overall safety of the construction site and that includes areas
where concrete mixers are in operation.
By following a few safety tips an incident such as this can be avoided :
• You should work on a firm and level working area. The event of the machine toppling over due
to uneven ground can be a disaster. Also make sure to protect surrounding surfaces.
• Check the area for any potential hazards that may impact the operation of the mixer
• Electric mixer should be protected by a residual current device prior to starting
• On a Petrol mixer, turn on fuel, close choke, pull rope using smooth action
• Once the mixer is started, open the choke and allow the machine to warm up before using
Once you have completed the task assigned empty the mixer drum of its contents. This can be
done by adding water to the still wet mixer. Then allow the machine to revolve or wash interior
and exterior clean.
By keeping these safety guidelines in mind concrete mixers need not present a danger to
construction workers. Employers have a duty to ensure that the machines are maintained and in
good working order as well as providing training to workers before allowing them to operate
machinery as well as provide supervision for operators while performing tasks using concrete
mixers if they wish to keep their construction sites safe and incident free.
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3. Posted by Peter Cutforth
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