When Safety Slips: A Wake-Up Call for Business Owners
A recent case in Queensland should serve as a stark reminder to all small and medium business owners: your legal and moral obligations to protect your workers, especially young and inexperienced ones, are non-negotiable.
The Case That Should Make You Pause
A workshop manager at a steel manufacturing company, was recently convicted of two serious breaches under the Queensland Work Health and Safety Act 2011. His offences? Failing to properly supervise and train teenage workers, resulting in two separate incidents that left the young employees seriously injured.
In the first incident, a 17-year-old suffered a severe leg fracture when a one-tonne metal tub fell off load skates, equipment the teen had been instructed to use without proper safety measures. Just months later, a 16-year-old was directed to operate a hydraulic guillotine without adequate training or supervision. The result? A crushed fingertip and a painful lesson in what happens when safety protocols are ignored.
The Workshop Supervisor was fined $35,000 had two criminal convictions recorded, and was ordered to complete an in-depth WHS training course. The court made it clear: these were not accidents, they were preventable failures of duty.
What This Means for You
If you’re a business owner or manager, especially in a high-risk industry like manufacturing, construction, or logistics, this case should hit close to home. It underscores three critical truths:
You are responsible for the safety of your workers.
Young workers require extra care, training, and supervision.
Failing to meet your WHS obligations can lead to serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
Are You Confident in Your WHS Practices?
Ask yourself:
Do your supervisors know their legal responsibilities under WHS laws?
Are your young or new workers properly trained and assessed as competent before using machinery?
Are you using equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines?
Do you have documented procedures and regular safety audits in place?
If you hesitated on any of these, it’s time to act before an injury forces your hand.
How I Can Help
Anzen Safety and Training works with small and medium businesses across Australia to:
Conduct WHS audits and identify compliance gaps.
Develop customised safety training for managers and workers.
Implement competency frameworks for high-risk tasks.
Ensure your business is legally compliant and practically safe.
Don’t wait for a fine or a serious injury to remind you of your responsibilities. Let’s make sure your workplace is safe, compliant, and prepared.
