A worker sustained severe injuries to their back and both of their arms while operating an alluvial screening and crushing plant.
The incident occurred when the worker attempted to use a tool to remove a rock from the nip point of a conveyor’s tail-end pulley without switching off or isolating the equipment. Their arms were pulled into the pinch point, and they were only able to free themselves when the pulley came to a stop.
Investigations found that the conveyor had no physical guarding to prevent access to the nip point. There was no isolation procedure in place. Also, the worker was operating alone without adequate training or supervision. These deficiencies placed the worker at significant risk.
Outcome: The company was fined $230,000 and ordered to pay $75,000 in costs.
