The volunteer was preparing a clay target throwing machine, known as a trap, before a shooting event in May 2023.

While inspecting the trap to check its alignment height, the volunteer observed the machine had started to throw broken clay targets and one had lodged in the spring-loaded throwing arm, causing the device to malfunction.

As the volunteer bent down to remove the obstruction, the machine activated, striking them on the top of their head, causing a severe laceration.

SafeWork SA inquiries into the incident are continuing.

What is stored energy?

Stored energy refers to an amount of potential energy which is accumulated within a medium such as a spring, pneumatics, hydraulics or gravity, which can have damaging consequences if released suddenly. Each has its own unique technique for removal or control of the inherent risk of stored energy.

Safety solutions

To reduce the risk of incidents and injuries occurring from the use, maintenance and repair of trap machines, clubs are advised to minimise the risks by applying measures from the “Hierarchy of Controls”.

Isolation:

• Ensure all mechanisms that potentially contain stored energy, such as the spring-loaded throwing arm, are released by a safe method of work prior to any maintenance, repairs or re-filling of the traps.
• Ensure the trap is isolated (electrically/mechanically), to prevent it being operated while any maintenance, repairs or re-filling is occurring.

Engineering:

• Consider a suitable means to prevent inadvertent activation of the traps by way of a physical mechanism such as a locking pin.
• Consider physical guarding to minimise the risk of body parts coming into contact with moving hazardous mechanical parts of the trap.

Administrative:

• Ensure all controls and isolation points are durable and clearly labelled.
• In consultation with volunteers, develop, implement and maintain a safe system of work to ensure that all electrical power and stored mechanical energy (spring tension) is released and isolated prior to, and during maintenance, repairs or re-filling of the traps.

Further Information

Code of Practice: How to manage work health & safety risks

Code of Practice:Managing the risks of plant in the workplace.

Further links

• Plant, Equipment and Machinery Energy Isolation Guidelines – SafeWork NSW