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Apprentice suffers serious injury from drop saw misuse

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One of the most common hazards construction workers face is from saws. Saws can be used to cut a variety of materials such as wood, metal, and masonry. Whether working with a table saw, chainsaw or handheld power saw, these are incredibly powerful tools with the potential to cause devastating saw or cutting blade accidents. These types of accidents can lead to some of the most severe construction injuries imaginable, such as lacerations, amputations or even death.

In a recent incident, an apprentice was performing cuts using a drop saw which he thought the task would be faster if he held back the safety guard. He was severely injured when he bypassed the safety mechanism on a drop saw, resulting in it pulling him in and deeply cutting his arm.

We recommend a number of ways to control risks, and when work involves power tools, employers must:

  • Undertake a risk assessment:
    1. Identify hazards
    2. Assess risks
    3. Identifying suitable controls to eliminate or reduce risk
  • Ensure all tools are maintained in accordance with manufactures instructions and are not modified

And when work involves power tools, employers must:

  • Ensure apprentices are inducted on how to safely use power tools
  • Provide instruction, training, and supervision
  • Ensure safe operating procedures for power tools are developed and implemented
  • Deliver a toolbox talk to ensure all workers are aware of safe operating procedures
  • Ensure the correct PPE is worn relevant to the power tool

PPE When Using a Drop Saw

Safety glasses must be worn at all times in work areas.

 

Long and loose hair must be contained.

 

Hearing protection must be worn.

 

Sturdy footwear must be worn at all times in work areas.

 

Close fitting/protective clothing must be worn.

 

Rings and jewellery must not be worn.

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Definitions

This document outlines the direct debit arrangements between Master Builders Association of NSW Pty Ltd, ABN 11 074 397 532 (MBANSW) and you.

MBANSW is the registered Group Training Organisation and Apprenticeship Services arm of Master Builders Association of New South Wales, ABN 96 550 042 906 (Master Builders)

“You”, “your” and “Training Employer” refer to you, your company and business nominated in the table below.

This document outlines the direct debit arrangements between MBANSW and you.

Direct Debit Terms and Conditions

  • Your nominated account or credit card will be debited weekly for hosting a MBAS or MBAS+ apprentice or trainee.
  • The first debit to your account will occur within 7 working days of the MBAS or MBAS+ apprentice or trainee commencing their placement with your business.
  • If an invoice payment is due on a non-business day, it will be debited from your account on the following business day.
  • Training Employer account information held by MBANSW will be kept confidential. Please note that some information is provided to the MBANSW financial institution to initiate the debit to your nominated account.
  • MBANSW will give you a minimum of 14 days’ notice in writing of changes to these Terms and Conditions.
  • If you wish to make changes to this arrangement, please contact MBANSW on (02) 8586 3533.

Your responsibility in this arrangement

  • Ensure that your nominated account can accept direct debits (your financial institution can confirm this).
  • Ensure there are sufficient cleared funds in the nominated account on the drawing date.
  • Advise MBANSW in writing if the nominated account is transferred or closed.


Please note that if your payment is dishonoured by your financial institution, a re-draw will take place within 7 days.

Any transaction fees payable by MBANSW in respect to a dishonoured payment will be added to your account.

Enquiries

Please direct all enquiries to MBAS (02) 8586 3533 or apprenticeship@mbansw.asn.au;

Please include your phone and email address.

I/We authorise MBANSW to arrange for funds to be debited from my/our nominated account at the financial institution identified below.

This authority to direct debit will remain in place in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.