A Western Australian farm business has been prosecuted following a serious incident involving a wool press that had been in operation for more than 30 years.

The incident resulted in significant injuries to a worker and highlighted a common challenge faced by many businesses; ageing equipment that has become part of everyday operations.

While machinery may have been used for years without issue, that does not mean the risks have disappeared. In fact, familiarity can sometimes make hazards harder to identify, particularly when equipment has become a routine part of the workplace.

The prosecution serves as a reminder that businesses must continue to assess plant and equipment throughout its lifecycle, regardless of how long it has been in service.

For employers, the key lesson is that older equipment should not be overlooked simply because it has “always been there”. Regular reviews can help identify hazards, assess whether controls remain effective, and determine whether upgrades or additional safeguards are required.

To help reduce risk, employers should:

• Regularly inspect and review plant and equipment.
• Assess whether guarding and safety controls remain effective.
• Ensure workers are trained in the safe operation of machinery.
• Review incidents, near misses and maintenance records.
• Consider whether ageing equipment requires modification, replacement or additional controls.

If you have ageing plant or equipment in your workplace and are unsure whether your controls remain adequate, our team can assist with a practical safety review.

Contact us on (08) 9316 9896 or get in touch here.

Follow ProcessWorxAg on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and the Lets Chat HR & Safety Podcast to keep up with the latest HR and Safety news.