Woolworths commits to safety improvements following loading dock fatality
NT WorkSafe and Woolworths have agreed on an enforceable undertaking (EU) after a man was fatally run over by a prime mover in a shopping centre loading dock.
On Friday October 7, 2016, a 47-year-old Maningrida man fell asleep in the loading dock area at Hibiscus Shopping Centre in Leanyer.
The driver of a prime mover leaving the loading dock did not see the man and ran him over.
Woolworths submitted the EU after being charged with one breach of Section 32 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 for failing to comply with a health and safety duty.
The main undertaking worth $1.6 million goes towards upgrading the infrastructure of back docks at all Woolworths stores across the Northern Territory to enhance traffic management controls above what is required by law.
This figure is in addition to the $500,000 already spent by Woolworths to secure the Hibiscus Shopping Centre loading dock and other Woolworths loading docks in the Territory that were considered high risk.
Glen Cameron Nominees also accepted a penalty in relation to this case
“Being struck by a vehicle or other mobile plant is a major hazard in workplaces across the country,” NT WorkSafe acting executive director Melissa Garde says.
“Shopping centres have a high level of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and the Hibiscus Shopping Centre loading dock was routinely used as a short cut.
“All retailers should look at their traffic management arrangements to ensure a similar incident doesn’t occur at their workplace.”
The EU comprises more than $50,000 committed for research and development into using digital technology for continuous controlled monitoring of loading docks, the development of a retail dock safety guide, and the delivery of free industry presentations on traffic management risks.
Also included is the purchase of 17 defibrillators to be distributed by St John Ambulance for community use and a donation of funds to support Lifeline operations in the Northern Territory.
The full undertaking includes:
- provide capital upgrades to back docks of all Northern Territory stores to enhance traffic control.
- video messaging for all staff to be used as part of their Key risk program.
- refresher training for legal compliance for all Northern Territory Managers.
- installation of defibrillators at all Northern Territory stores.
- deliver free industry seminars on lessons learnt and Woolworths Health and Safety practices.
- develop and publish a Retail Dock Safety Guide.
- fund research into continuous control monitoring through the use of digital technology in relation to dock areas and pedestrians.
- donation of 17 defibrillators to the community through St John Ambulance.
- donation to support Lifeline operations in the Northern Territory.
The total minimum expenditure of $1,793,500 includes commitment towards:
- workers or the workplace – $1,685,000;
- industry – $57,000, and
- the community – $51,500.