Bridge collapse and knife incident leaves two in hospital

07 February 2012

A man was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital late yesterday after a bridge which was being demolished near Kerang partially collapsed.

The man, who was aged in his 20s, was walking beside an excavator and helping to steady a seven metre red-gum beam which was being carried by the machine when one span of the bridge fell.

He fell into Pyramid Creek along with the excavator and suffered head and back injuries and is said to be in a stable condition.

Workmates performed CPR on him in the water.

WorkSafe is issuing a notice requiring a safety plan to be developed for when the excavator is recovered from the creek.

The incident was one of three serious matters dealt with by WorkSafe yesterday.

At Warrnambool, a man received a knife wound while working at an abattoir. He was trimming a side of beef when the knife slipped and struck him on his upper chest. He’s being treated at the Warrnambool Hospital.

Earlier in the day a man died in Melbourne after falling three metres at a tile shop at Highett.

WorkSafe’s General Manager for Operations Lisa Sturzenegger said the incidents showed the dangers that can be found with routine tasks.

“Ensuring safety issues are understood and dealt with prevents devastating and life-changing injuries and reduces the risk of a business’ viability being undermined.

“Employers, supervisors and workers all have responsibilities to ensure their workplaces are as safe as practicable. No matter how experienced you or your team is, getting on top of safety issues before they hit is an investment.”

WorkSafe’s publication 12 ways to make small business safer is a starting point for safety improvement catch-up work. More information can be found at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au or call WorkSafe’s website on 1800 136 089.