WorkSafe ACT investigating tyre explosion incident which caused serious injury


Released 21/12/2018

WorkSafe ACT is investigating a serious work safety incident in which a young male worker was injured when a tractor tyre exploded while being inflated.

The incident occurred at about 4:45pm on Thursday (20 December 2018) at the Beaurepaire Tyre premises on the corner of Canberra Avenue and Ipswitch Street in Fyshwick.

A 19 year old male was in close proximity to a tractor tyre that was being inflated when it exploded. The man was knocked unconscious and suffered significant injuries including facial fractions and lacerations, multiple arm fractures, rib fractures and possible internal injuries.

WorkSafe ACT investigators worked late into the evening undertaking an assessment of the site and recording evidence as part of the investigation. This work will continue today. A Prohibition Notice on activity at the site has been put in place until further notice.

ACT Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said an initial finding was that a protective cage/barrier was allegedly not used during inflation of the tyre.

“This incident is extremely troubling and it is very fortunate that this worker was not killed,” he said.

“I am very concerned that a cage or barrier was allegedly not in use by the workers, particularly considering the size of the tyre being inflated.

“I will be issuing a safety alert to industry on the importance of cages/protection barriers when working with large tyres, such as those for four wheel drives, trucks, tractors and other heavy vehicles.

“Once again I would urge all workers and employers across all industries to put safety at the forefront of all activity and to ensure that all safety procedures are followed.

“Investigations into this incident are continuing.”

- Statement ends -

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emily.springett@act.gov.au


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