Lessons from the Koala Cherries Incident: A Wake-Up Call for Workplace Safety

In December 2021, a serious workplace incident at Koala Cherries Pty Ltd in Yarck, Victoria, highlighted critical gaps in workplace safety. A labour-hire worker, on her first day, suffered a severe degloving injury when her hand became entangled in a conveyor belt. This incident underscores the importance of proactive safety measures and serves as a case study for workplaces across industries.

Machine guarding is a regulated requirement for the safety of workers. Photo Attribution: WireCrafters, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The Incident

The worker was sorting cherries when she noticed a box stuck on a neighbouring conveyor belt. While attempting to dislodge the box, her hand was caught in the pinch point where the belt and rollers met. Despite colleagues pulling an emergency stop cable, the conveyors continued to operate until power was terminated manually at an isolator switch. The worker was hospitalised and treated for her injuries.

Key Findings

WorkSafe Victoria's investigation revealed several safety lapses:

1. Lack of Guarding: The pinch points on the conveyor belts were unguarded, exposing workers to significant risk.

2. Inadequate Training: The worker had not received proper training or instructions on the safe operation of the conveyor system.

3. Faulty Emergency Systems: The emergency stop cable failed to function as intended, delaying the shutdown of the machinery.

4. Insufficient Induction: The induction process did not cover critical safety information, including the location and use of emergency stop mechanisms.

The Response

Koala Cherries entered into an enforceable undertaking valued at $220,000, which includes:

• Implementing significant safety upgrades, such as guarding pinch points and improving emergency systems.

• Producing visual safety aids and videos to educate workers on key risks.

• Collaborating with industry organizations to develop and distribute standard operating procedures and competency tests for various equipment.

• Hosting free training events to address common risks associated with farm machinery.

• Donating $15,000 to support the Victorian Farmers Federation's strategic objectives.

Lessons for Workplaces

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting workplace safety. Here are key takeaways:

1. Prioritize Hazard Identification: Regularly assess and mitigate risks, such as unguarded machinery.

2. Invest in Training: Ensure all workers, especially new hires, receive comprehensive training on equipment and emergency procedures.

3. Test Emergency Systems: Regularly inspect and maintain emergency stop mechanisms to ensure they function correctly.

4. Enhance Induction Processes: Provide detailed safety inductions that cover all potential hazards and emergency protocols.

Conclusion

The Koala Cherries incident is a sobering example of how lapses in safety can lead to life-altering injuries. By learning from this case, workplaces can take proactive steps to protect their employees and foster a culture of safety. After all, no task is worth compromising a worker's health, safety or well-being.