WorkSafe issues stern warning on barrier safety after worker crushed

Paul Eyers
By Paul Eyers
3 Min Read

WorkSafe has reinforced the importance of proper barrier safety after an incorrectly installed barrier left a worker with six broken ribs and two collapsed lungs. 

Last month, Winslow Infrastructure Pty Ltd was required to undergo a $300,000 safety overhaul after an investigation revealed it had overseen serious safety failings in its barrier-setup procedures.

The incident occurred when 23 barriers and attached fencing, meant to delineate pedestrian walkways, toppled over at a construction site in Carrum Downs, Victoria.

The worker was walking past the incorrectly installed barriers when they collapsed, causing a myriad of serious injuries, including six broken ribs, a broken collarbone, two collapsed lungs and a blood clot. 

The barriers, which were supposed to be filled with water for stability, were left empty, leading to their collapse, with the workers trapped underneath.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said the incident was a “serious failure” to follow basic safety procedures.

“This worker has suffered horrific injuries in an incident that unfortunately highlights the consequences of failing to have safe systems of work in place and following manufacturer’s instructions,” he said. 

Winslow Infrastructure must implement safety improvements and contribute to community safety education initiatives as part of the penalty.

The mandatory undertaking includes:

  • Develop safety training videos to educate secondary school students.
  • Mailing road safety pamphlets to 10,000 residents.
  • Develop four training videos to be made available to workers and contractors.
  • Working with contractors to improve their risk management systems.
  • Donating $100,000 to TIACS, a mental health counselling service for blue-collar workers.


Worksafe issues barrier safety warning

The case highlights the life-altering consequences of overlooking safety protocols, with proper precautions ensuring barriers serve their purpose—keeping everyone safe.

WorkSafe said that the accident could have been easily avoided by following correct barrier installation instructions, with construction firms urged to ensure that proper barrier safety procedures are followed on their sites to avoid a similar fate.

“Incidents like this underline the devastating consequences of taking shortcuts on safety,” Mr Jenkin added. 

“It is pleasing to see this company is now making inroads to improve safety, not only among its own workers and contractors but also in the wider community.”

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Paul Eyers has worked as a journalist for a range of media publishers including News Corp and Network Ten. He has also worked outside of Australia, including time spent with ABS-CBN in the Philippines. Stepping away from the media, Paul spent five years sharpening his tools in construction - building his skill set and expertise within the trade industry. His diverse experiences and unique journey have equipped him with an insider view of Australia’s construction game to dig deep into the big stories.