❓ Ms. Mettam questions the Minister for Transport regarding a worker injury at the Forrestfield airport rail link project. The Minister responds detailing the incident, treatment, and actions taken by the contractor and the Public Transport Authority to prevent recurrence.
AnsweredQoN 5395Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to
The West Australian article on 9 July 2019 ‘Worker burned by toxic slurry at
troubled Forrestfield airport rail link project’, and ask: (a) On what date and time did this incident occur; (b) What was the severity of the injury that occurred; (c) What actions were taken to treat the worker’s injury; (d) What actions have been taken by Salini Impregilo - NRW Joint Venture to ensure this incident does not occur again; (e) What actions have been taken by the Public Transport Authority to ensure this incident does not occur again; and (f) Was the Minister aware of this as a potential health and safety risk, prior to the incident occurring?
The West Australian article on 9 July 2019 ‘Worker burned by toxic slurry at
troubled Forrestfield airport rail link project’, and ask: (a) On what date and time did this incident occur; (b) What was the severity of the injury that occurred; (c) What actions were taken to treat the worker’s injury; (d) What actions have been taken by Salini Impregilo - NRW Joint Venture to ensure this incident does not occur again; (e) What actions have been taken by the Public Transport Authority to ensure this incident does not occur again; and (f) Was the Minister aware of this as a potential health and safety risk, prior to the incident occurring?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
19 September 2019
Responded by
Minister for Transport
Response time
10 days
(a)-(c) At 9:30pm on Thursday 27 June 2019, a worker had a slurry/water mix enter his gumboots. After leaving work, the worker reported discomfort to his lower leg area. The injured worker was treated for chemical burns to his lower legs, and the incident has been classified as a Loss Time Injury (LTI). After being assessed by a doctor on 28 June 2019, the worker was subsequently referred to Fiona Stanley Hospital for further treatment.
(d) Immediate corrective action was taken to reduce the water level in the tunnel, and the water’s PH levels were tested. Head contractor SI-NRW JV also reviewed and updated the Safe Work Method Statement and all workers were advised of the changes via toolbox and prestart meetings.
(e) The Public Transport Authority (PTA) works closely with SI-NRW JV to discuss key issues and help reduce the likelihood of incidents reoccurring. The PTA continues to closely monitor safety requirements on the project to ensure rigorous safety processes are being implemented and adhered to. In 2019 to date, the PTA has completed more than 2400 safety inspections, including 295 safety walks, 561 compliance inspections, 1469 hazard inspections and 128 targeted process inspections.
(f) While the Minister does not directly manage the safety risks on the project, she has made it clear to the Joint Venture and to the PTA that safety is the first priority.
(d) Immediate corrective action was taken to reduce the water level in the tunnel, and the water’s PH levels were tested. Head contractor SI-NRW JV also reviewed and updated the Safe Work Method Statement and all workers were advised of the changes via toolbox and prestart meetings.
(e) The Public Transport Authority (PTA) works closely with SI-NRW JV to discuss key issues and help reduce the likelihood of incidents reoccurring. The PTA continues to closely monitor safety requirements on the project to ensure rigorous safety processes are being implemented and adhered to. In 2019 to date, the PTA has completed more than 2400 safety inspections, including 295 safety walks, 561 compliance inspections, 1469 hazard inspections and 128 targeted process inspections.
(f) While the Minister does not directly manage the safety risks on the project, she has made it clear to the Joint Venture and to the PTA that safety is the first priority.
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