A cargo company has been fined $110,000 for negligence as, after a staff member working at Perth Airport was severely injured while performing his workplace duties.

This is a timely reminder for members to make sure that risk assessments are regularly carried out on all tasks and that any risks identified are actioned.

Importantly, local government workers should make sure that seatbelts are always worn when available in a vehicle.  Members are also requested to do appropriate risk assessments ensuring that where identified by the assessment that the vehicle is fitted with a seatbelt.

In this case, the worker was on board a baggage tug in the passenger seat. After travelling for a short distance, the driver lost control and turned the tug over. The worker in the passenger seat fell out of the vehicle and hit his head on the tarmac. He suffered serious head injuries and required urgent surgery. He could have been saved if his seat was fitted with a seatbelt.

According to WorkSafe, the case was another example of an organisation not performing adequate risk assessments or acting to improve or eliminate workplace hazards. "The vehicle from which the worker fell did not have a seatbelt for a passenger, and workers were permitted to ride in it," WorkSafe Commissioner Darren Kavanagh said.

To read more about the case and its implications, visit the WorkSafe website.

For support with risk assessments contact the LGIS people risk team or regional risk coordinator.