Harsher Penalties for Businesses Who Commit Safety Offences.

25 October 2018

With increases to penalties under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (WA) and Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 (WA), now is an appropriate time to have your pallet racking inspected.

The State Government has recently imposed harsher penalties for workplace safety offences under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (WA) and Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 (WA).

• Penalties for offenders include increasing the maximum term of imprisonment from two years to five years and increased fines for body corporates. 
• Level 4 offences now attract a maximum $2.7 million penalty for first offenders and $3.5 million for subsequent offenders (up from $500,000 and $625,000 respectively).   
• Level 1 penalties have increased from $50,000 to $450,000 for first offenders and from $62,500 to $570,000 for subsequent offences.
• The increased penalties are now consistent with the National model Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Under Section 19 (1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (OSH Act) employers have a responsibility to provide and maintain - as far as practicable - a safe working environment for workers. This is called the employer’s ‘duty of care’ and includes providing and maintaining workplaces, plant and systems of work so employees are not exposed to hazards. 

All workplaces pose potential hazards, and this includes storage and racking systems. Regular rack inspections will ensure damaged components that need replacing are identified to reduce the risks associated with these hazards and to maintain the integrity, operation and safe use of racking.

The Australian Standard AS4084:2012 Steel Storage Racking states “Inspections shall be carried out on a regular basis, and at least once every twelve months to:

(a) ensure the correct application and use of equipment;

(b) ensure that the working load limits are adhered to;

(c) ensure that the racking installation has not been altered. A copy of the load

application and configuration drawings shall be retained for this purpose;

(d) examine the extent of damage due to impact in the racking installation;

(e) examine the out-of-plumb of the racking;

(f) examine for any dislocation and deformation of sections and connections for uprights and beams;

(g) examine connectors for deformation or signs of cracking of the welds; and

(h) examine base plates and floor anchors.”

APC’s experienced and trained Racking Inspectors are able to carry out a thorough inspection and evaluation of your racking system, which not only identifies existing damage and potential risks but will aid employers in complying with legal obligations in regard to workplace safety.