Safety Over Profit

Early this morning there was a serious safety incident at Bingo Recycling. Due to a snap visit by the company’s National CEO Daniel Tartak , workers at the plant were told to clean their respective areas.

A worker stepped out onto the outside blower cage, a task that is “Daily routine” according to AWU delegate Nini Dut, though highly unsafe and unregulated.

The grate gets filled with all sorts of debris such as concrete, plaster and general waste.

The grate gave way and the worker fell four to five metres, injuring his back, Neck and was bleeding from the mouth.

Fifteen minutes passed before a first aid person was on the scene at this point an AWU delegate notified the union and officials made their way to the scene. As is normal practice not to move a person until checked over by a medical professional, in this case the worker was moved and was told to sit in a chair by a supervisor. Due to the back injury this was not possible, and he waited for the ambulance.

An inspection took place after the accident by Work Safe and AWU officials and statements were taken by witnesses to the fall. No one advised the worker not to stand on that grate, a grate that has been broken for allegedly two years without repair.

It is 2021 and we still see simple solutions and repairs being ignored by companies who value profit over people. Safety is paramount and it should be a given that people going to work can be reassured that they are working in safe compliant conditions. The expectations of companies to cut corners and not spend money on critical repairs and simple safety procedures and training is an atrocious act of negligence.

The Australian Workers’ Union Victoria are calling on the company and relevant authorities to work with the union and the workers to ensure their safety is put before profits.

If you want to join the AWU click here.

If you have any information regarding an unsafe workplace you can contact the AWU.