SafeWork NSW is reminding industrial gate owners to get them checked after a number of serious incidents, including two deaths.
While industrial gates are a great way to protect property at home or on worksites, they can potentially be extremely dangerous if not properly maintained, as they can weigh hundreds of kilograms.
A lack of maintenance can cause them to fall or become unhinged and cause serious injury or even death.
A 64-year-old worker died in 2020 after an electric industrial gate weighing nearly 260kg fell on him as he was trying to open it manually.
The gate and surrounding fencing had been damaged and was yet to be fully repaired.
From 2017 to 2022, there were 17 serious injuries to workers involving industrial gates, including two worker fatalities. The top cause of injuries from falling industrial gates is a fractured pelvis and a fractured vertebra.
SafeWork NSW Inspectors check industrial gates at construction, agricultural, transport and warehousing worksites.
Individuals and businesses may be fined up to $720 and up to $3,600 for gates that pose a threat to the safety of workers and the community.
