In a recent incident that underscores the critical importance of workplace safety, an Adelaide-based demolition company, Royal Park Salvage Pty Ltd, has been fined over $140,000 following a serious safety breach. The incident, which occurred on December 6, 2022, involved an excavator making contact with a 415-volt overhead powerline, resulting in significant property damage and power disruptions to 84 properties for about six hours.
The Incident
Royal Park Salvage was engaged to demolish a residential property at Onkara Avenue, Ingle Farm. Part of the demolition work involved removing trees from the front yard, which were located beneath the powerlines. Despite the absence of a designated ‘spotter’—a crucial safety role to monitor such hazardous activities—the operator, who had been with the company for 25 years, proceeded with the task. At approximately 7:10 am, the excavator made contact with the overhead powerlines, severing one of them. The operator was unaware of the incident until alerted by a nearby resident seven minutes later.
Immediate Response and Investigation
SA Power Networks and emergency services promptly attended the scene to secure the area. SafeWork SA also arrived to initiate an investigation, issuing two Improvement Notices to the company before commencing a prosecution. The investigation revealed that Royal Park Salvage had failed to adequately identify and mitigate the hazards associated with working near live powerlines, a clear breach of section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act.
Legal Proceedings and Penalties
The case was heard in the South Australian Employment Tribunal, where Deputy President Lieschke found the company’s existing safety management system to be “grossly inadequate.” He emphasized that the risk of death or serious injury from downing a live powerline was well-known and that the company had failed to implement a safe system of work. Consequently, Royal Park Salvage was convicted, fined $140,000, and ordered to pay additional costs, including a Victims of Crime Levy and a contribution towards SafeWork SA’s legal expenses.
Lessons Learned
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting workplace safety protocols. SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell highlighted that the incident could have had tragic outcomes for the excavator operator and stressed the importance of adhering to safety measures when working near live powerlines. Despite ongoing warnings about the dangers of such work, SafeWork SA has issued 12 statutory notices at nine worksites since July of the previous year.
The Importance of Safety Management Systems
A robust safety management system is essential for any company involved in high-risk activities. Such systems should include comprehensive risk assessments, clear communication of hazards, and the implementation of control measures to eliminate or reduce risks. Regular training and the presence of safety spotters are also critical components of an effective safety strategy.
Moving Forward
For Royal Park Salvage, this incident and the subsequent penalties should serve as a catalyst for significant improvements in their safety practices. For other companies, it is a cautionary tale that underscores the importance of proactive safety management. Ensuring the safety of workers and the public should always be a top priority, and adherence to safety regulations is not just a legal obligation but a moral one as well.
In conclusion, the hefty fine imposed on Royal Park Salvage Pty Ltd highlights the serious repercussions of failing to maintain a safe work environment. It is a wake-up call for all businesses to review and enhance their safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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