Meat Hook In Face costs $20,000

A Queensland meat processing plant was fined $20,000 when a worker, who was employed as a floor cleaner, received head injuries from a meat hook when he crossed the slaughter floor. The court heard that at that time it was common practice to cross the floor. The hooks were between chest and shoulder height and as the cleaner crossed the floor a hook came into contact with his head causing injuries, which required cranial surgery.

A “common practice” may be common but may be unsafe. The fact that the practice is done regularly but not resulted in injury is often more good luck than good management. Pedestrian walkways should be clearly marked to allow people safe access within worksites.

Traffic management plans should not be restricted to warehouses with mobile plant (such as forklifts). Victoria have a comprehensive document on pedestrian safety that include ideas such as exclusion zones, safety zones, safety barriers, containment fences.