Updated Safety and Health Alert issued following Cyclone George investigation
Issue Date: - Monday, 19 November 2007
The State Government has issued a Safety and Health Alert on emergency preparation for cyclones following completion of the WorkSafe report on the deaths of two workers during Cyclone George in March this year.
The Safety and Health Alert is an update of a Safety Bulletin issued in April, and takes into consideration issues raised during the course of the investigation into the deaths.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that the report on the investigation had now been completed.
“The report has now been passed on to the State Solicitor’s Office,” Ms Lyhne said. “They will consider the findings of the investigation and provide legal advice with respect to potential prosecution action.
“The contents of the WorkSafe report will not be made publicly available because there may be a risk of prejudicing any potential legal proceedings. If this matter does go to court, details will be aired in public in the courts.
“Once the legal proceedings have been completed, the report will be forwarded to the State Coroner. The Coroner may then decide to conduct an inquest, in which case the WorkSafe report would form part of that inquest.
“In the meantime, we have decided to release a further Safety Bulletin to raise some issues that came to light during the investigation with a view to preventing similar incidents in the future.
“Our Safety and Health Alert recommends that anyone considering construction projects in a cyclone-prone area should check which wind region the site falls into.
“Information should be sought on the construction standards that must be observed to ensure that buildings on worksites in cyclone sensitive regions are adequately secured.
“Also important is that emergency procedures and plans must be in place in regions that may be affected by cyclones.”
The Safety and Health Alert contains several recommendations designed to help ensure that workers in cyclone prone areas are provided with a safe workplace.
“The tragic loss of two lives during Cyclone George highlighted the potentially extreme hazards of cyclones and the need for employers to provide and maintain a safe working environment for all employees,” Ms Lyhne said.
“This has been a significant and complex investigation involving a large number of personnel and a lot of resources, and a great deal of information has been gathered.
“In the early stages of the investigation, WA Police also undertook their enquiry and worked closely with WorkSafe.
“Throughout the course of the investigation, WorkSafe has been making information available to the public and to other agencies with an interest in the outcome.
“This has included the previous Safety Bulletin, reminders to local government authorities on WorkSafe’s reporting requirements for building and construction projects and ongoing consultation with agencies responsible for emergency preparedness and response.
“Cyclones are a known occupational safety and health hazard, and as such, the appropriate emergency plans and procedures should be in place before any event.
“It is crucial that workplace structures in cyclone-prone areas meet safety standards, and workers must be given the appropriate information on safety procedures and be appropriately trained to carry them out.”
Further information on keeping workplaces safe can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 9327 8744 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only).