08/10/2026
Every now and then in this job, you walk into a workshop and find a few things that need attention.
And then there are the workshops where you start wondering if anyone has actually checked anything at all.
Earlier this week, AMWU Organisers Chris Kirkby and Simon Anderson visited Kerr Engineering in Henderson following multiple reports from workers about safety issues.
What they found was alarming - and they didn’t even get to inspect the entire site.
Untagged, out-of-date or damaged electrical equipment, leads across the floor, poor housekeeping and no clearly designated walkways or laydown areas.
Forklifts and EWPs without logbooks, forklifts without reversing beepers, an EWP with its mid rail taped up and obvious fall hazards.
And apparently, gaffer tape has become part of the engineering department, with various machinery components held together with it.
Obstructed fire extinguishers, non-compliant pallet racking and a non-compliant paint shed.
Much of the lifting gear was untagged, out of date or otherwise non-compliant - and still in use, while many other items had multiple tags.
And, incredibly, the employer confirmed that full-time permanent employees aren’t provided with basic PPE such as work pants and safety boots.
These photos show only a small part of what was found.
WorkSafe has been notified, and we’ll be returning to complete the inspection soon.
Workers deserve better!
