SafeWork NSW is reminding those who own industrial gates to get them checked after a number of serious incidents, including two deaths.
While industrial gates are a great way to protect property at home or on worksites, they have the potential to be extremely dangerous if not properly maintained as they can weigh hundreds of kilograms.
A lack of maintenance can cause them to fall or become unhinged and cause serious injury or even death.
A 64-year-old worker died in 2020 after an electric industrial gate weighing nearly 260kg fell on him as he was trying to manually open it.
The gate and surrounding fencing had been damaged and was yet to be fully repaired.
From 2017 to 2022, there were 17 serious injuries to workers involving industrial gates, including two worker fatalities. The top cause of injuries by falling industrial gates are a fractured pelvis and a fractured vertebra.
SafeWork NSW Inspectors are out and about checking industrial gates at construction, agricultural, transport and warehousing worksites.
Individuals may be fined up to $720 and businesses up to $3,600 for gates that pose a threat to the safety of workers and the community.
To find out more on industrial gate safety visit: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/advice-and-resources/campaigns/industrial-gate-safety
Quotes to be attributed to Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann
“It’s so important workers and members of the public are kept safe from falling industrial gates,” Ms Mann said.
“If industrial gates are not regularly inspected and maintained, the risk of serious injury increases dramatically.
“Employers must pay specific attention to the condition of industrial gates in their workplace or face the consequences, which is a fine of up to $720 for individuals and up to $3,600 businesses whose gates pose a threat to the safety of workers and the community.
“Worse still would be if someone was injured or killed in a preventable incident due to your negligence.
“If you own an industrial gate, answer this question - When was the last time you checked your gate?” Ms Mann said.
Contact details:
media@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
0438 108 797