AN EMPLOYEE has been convicted and fined $4,400 over an explosion at a pressure equipment manufacturer’s facility.
James Lawless pleaded guilty to breaching section 21(1a) of the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act 1986, which focuses on the legal duties of employees to take reasonable care to keep themselves and others safe at work.
The incident occurred in June 2007 at a business based in West Croydon, SA. Three workers were painting the inside of a large pressure vessel by pouring paint in and rotating it to cover the inner surface.
This operation caused a build-up of fumes which were released when a flange was opened.
According to SafeWork SA, Lawless lit a cigarette lighter while standing nearby, unaware of the presence of flammable vapours and breaching a non-smoking policy in the workplace.
This ignited the fumes, injuring two workers in the resulting blast. One suffered severe burns to 25% of his body.
In November 2009, the employer was convicted and fined $30,000 after the company pleaded guilty to failing to provide a safe working environment over the same incident.
SafeWork SA says employees need to play their part in keeping workplaces safe by being aware of the relevant hazards and safety procedures and acting promptly and consistently to keep themselves and others safe.
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