URGENT UPDATE: Colas NSW has just entered an enforceable undertaking following a severe workplace accident that left a worker without their left arm. The incident occurred at the company’s Tomago plant on June 22, 2022, when a worker’s arm became tragically caught in a moving conveyor during maintenance operations.
The incident has drawn significant attention from SafeWork NSW, which investigated the circumstances surrounding the accident. Authorities allege that Colas failed to uphold its duty of care, contravening the Work Health and Safety Act. In response, the company has now committed to a series of safety enhancements to prevent future incidents.
Colas NSW reports that the injured worker, who underwent an amputation just above the elbow, has returned to modified duties as of September 2022 and has transitioned back to a production role following retraining in April 2023. The company expressed its “sincere regret” over the incident and extended sympathies to the affected worker and their family.
Following the accident, all operations at the Tomago asphalt plant were suspended for four months, during which Colas invested $1.1 million to upgrade safety measures at the facility. These upgrades focused on improving guarding and ensuring safer access to the area where the injury occurred.
The enforceable undertaking mandates that Colas trial and implement new technology aimed at minimizing collisions between plant machinery and workers on foot. Additionally, the company is developing a program to enhance awareness and opportunities in the construction sector for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, which will be shared across the industry.
Colas is also set to conduct an internal review to address “out of sight, out of mind” areas within the flexible pavement industry, with findings to be disseminated to industry stakeholders. The company’s commitment to maintaining the health and safety of its workers is underscored by its statement that it aims to ensure safety practices are as robust as possible.
This incident shines a spotlight on workplace safety measures, particularly in high-risk environments like manufacturing and construction. As Colas NSW implements these changes, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on overall worker safety and industry standards.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Colas NSW takes steps to enhance safety and prevent future accidents.
