Machinery safety was again in the spotlight this week after a high lift jack supplier was forced to pay over $10,000 to the ACCC for failing to meet its standards.
Online retailer Update Technology paid the penalty of $10,200 for allegedly supplying high lift jacks that did not comply with the applicable mandatory safety standard, in contravention of Australian Consumer Law.
The model failed to meet safety performance requirements, including overload capacity, and did not have the required labelling.
“Since 2000, five Australians, on average, have been killed each year while working under a vehicle in a DIY maintenance setting with jacks involved,” ACCC deputy chairperson Delia Rickard said.
“The performance and labelling requirements in the applicable mandatory standard are designed to ensure high lift jacks sustain a vehicle’s weight and that the jacks are used safely, reducing the risk of serious injury and death.
“Given these serious risks, suppliers of high lift jacks are on notice that they must ensure that the jacks they supply comply with the current mandatory standard, or else they could face enforcement action by the ACCC.
“Mandatory standards can change over time, and it is important that suppliers have processes in place to monitor and comply with the applicable standard.”
Safety of machinery on work-sites has been a growing concern, with incidents such as the amputation via a conveyer on a Sydney mushroom farm prompting action.
In light of the recent fine, the ACCC has offered four safety tips for the use of high lift jacks:
- Buy and use vehicle and trolley jacks, support stands and portable ramps that meet mandatory safety standards.
- Use the right jack for the job.
- Ensure that you regularly maintain these tools so that they operate safely.
- Always check the jack's label to ensure that its maximum load capacity is enough to support the vehicle you are lifting - otherwise the jack could fail and place you in danger.
