In a recent incident at the Angle Park track, a dog handler suffered severe injuries after being struck by a mechanical lure during a greyhound racing trial. The governing body, Greyhound Racing SA Limited, was fined $255,000 and ordered to pay $40,000 in compensation as a result of the mishap. The incident, occurring in September 2022, led to serious leg, hand, and facial injuries for the handler.
The South Australian Employment Tribunal issued the sentence following a prosecution by SafeWork SA. The accident occurred when the handler, along with two others, took a shortcut across the track to reach the catching pen after a trial race. As the lure passed at high speed, the handler was hit, resulting in multiple fractures to his leg and hand, dental injuries, and a mouth laceration.
Greyhound Racing SA faced charges under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 for failing to ensure the safety of individuals during trials. Despite being aware of the risks involved, the organization allowed workers and participants to use the shortcut onto the track regularly without proper safety measures in place.
Following the incident, Greyhound Racing SA made significant changes to its physical barriers, access gates, and operational procedures. The organization updated its standard operating procedures for trials, emphasizing safety measures around the track and catching pen to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Deputy President Magistrate Lieschke, in his sentencing remarks, highlighted the seriousness of the offence and the need for a substantial penalty. He noted the failure of Greyhound Racing SA to conduct proper hazard assessments and implement adequate safety measures, leading to the unfortunate incident.
The lack of effective safety protocols and the reliance on weak administrative controls were identified as contributing factors to the accident. The organization was fined $255,000 and directed to compensate the injured handler with $40,000.
Glenn Farrell, Executive Director of SafeWork SA, emphasized the importance of enforcing practical safety measures to prevent such catastrophic incidents. He warned against taking shortcuts in safety procedures, stressing the need for proactive safety measures to avoid harm in the workplace.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of prioritizing safety in all workplace environments, especially in high-risk industries like greyhound racing. By learning from such incidents and implementing robust safety protocols, organizations can prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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