The ATSB released their final report on the Seaworld helicopter crash earlier this month, 2 years after the fatal incident. The outcome of their investigation brought to light a number of safety failures, with actions that were supposed to make improvements to workplace safety ultimately failing in those endeavours.
“The most fundamental lesson from this investigation is that making changes to … operations, even those that appear to increase safety, can have unintended consequences,” Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said in releasing the investigation’s final report.
In the months prior to the accident, the operator made a number of changes designed to be safety improvements, including:
- Introducing the use of a 2nd helipad location
- Introducing the use of larger helicopters
- A new hanger and new office facilities
It was noted by the Commissioner that “Over time, these changes undermined risk controls used to manage traffic separation and created a conflict point between launching and departing helicopters, which is where the two helicopters collided”.
Other safety failures contained within the report include breakdowns in communication systems and processes.
A Key WHS Lesson for us all……
PCBU’s are required to undertake risk assessments and review risk controls when they are making changes at work, including when making changes to the way tasks are performed, introducing new machinery & equipment and when making changes to the work environment, to name a few.
Another important component in the risk assessment process is that of Consultation. PCBUs must consult with those performing the tasks or those likely to impacted by the work.
Completing risk assessments and engaging your teams in the process not only ensures a safer workplace but has positive impacts on your safety culture.
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