Roller tragedy highlights dangerous work practices

WorkSafe are currently investigating the incident, which is the 14th work-related death reported to the group this year. John Merritt, WorkSafe's executive director said that the tragedy was the latest in a series of deaths and serious injuries involving rotating equipment. "Whether you are in a factory or a workshop, on a building site or a farm, equipment that spins or rotates is potentially deadly," he said.

Printing is still a dangerous industry, but no more so than others, according to Michael Birt, WorkSafe spokesman. "Across the community, manual handling injuries make up sixty per cent of all injury claims," he said. "These are not necessarily high profile media matters, but they have serious effects on individuals and their families."

Birt believes that the majority of workplace deaths and injuries can be prevented through gaining adequate information. "Consult with the workforce about how to deal with these matters and develop a plan to eliminate them and then make sure the plan is put into effect," he said.

"The human and commercial effects of poor workplace safety are enormous and frequently permanent. What we find with very good performers is that there is often a tragedy underneath which has resulted in action taking place. Certainly many people in court say they've made improvements after a tragedy, but it doesn't have to be that way."

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