A FITTER has been seriously injured after a hydraulic torque wrench struck him in the head.
Two fitters were applying torque when the impact socket dislodged and the wrench ricocheted into the worker’s head.
According to a safety report, the wrench reaction arm was not properly secured and the safety recommendations accompanying the tool were not followed.
Despite queries from Australian Mining, the Queensland Department of Mines and Energy (DME) would not release details about the mine or when the incident occurred.
According to the report, the instruction manual accompanying the tool suggests that all workers stay clear during operation and an alternative means of securing the wrench to the application must be used if the tool is unstable during use.
Julie Dryden
Inspector of mines
Queensland DME
julie.dryden@dme.qld.gov.au
www.dme.qld.gov.au