Rocklea Tyre Recycling Business Convicted Again in Workplace Incident Case

Incident Overview

In April 2020, a worker at Seven Star Rubber Crumb Pty Ltd, a tyre recycling business in Rocklea, Queensland, suffered severe hand injuries including the amputation of two fingers while operating a de-beading machine. The incident exposed systemic safety failures at the facility, including inadequate machinery guarding and breaches of incident reporting and site preservation protocols.

In July 2023, the Brisbane Magistrates Court convicted the company on charges of failing to promptly notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and disturbing the incident site. This conviction followed a substantial $650,000 fine imposed in June 2023 for related health and safety breaches.

Site and Time

The incident occurred at Seven Star Rubber Crumb Pty Ltd’s facility in Rocklea, Queensland, in April 2020 while day-shift operations were underway.

Persons Involved

Worker

• Operator of de-beading machinery; sustained severe hand injuries (identity not disclosed in source)

Employer

• Seven Star Rubber Crumb Pty Ltd, tyre recycling business

Plant and Task

Plant

• De-beading machine; lacked adequate safety guarding
• Operated by Seven Star Rubber Crumb Pty Ltd

Task

• De-beading operation (removal of tyre beads during recycling process)

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• One worker sustained severe hand injuries, including amputation of two fingers

Investigation Underway

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) investigated the incident and identified critical safety failures. The investigation revealed that the de-beading machine lacked adequate safety guarding, directly exposing workers to dangerous components. The company’s failure to immediately notify the regulator and to preserve the incident site for inspection compounded the breaches.

Court’s Decision and Impact

In July 2023, the Brisbane Magistrates Court convicted Seven Star Rubber Crumb Pty Ltd on two charges: failing to promptly notify the regulator and disturbing the incident site. Magistrate Michael Noud took into account the company’s previous $650,000 fine imposed in June 2023 and its current financial state, resulting in a conviction without additional fines. The conviction underscores the company’s repeated failure to meet workplace health and safety obligations.

In Summary

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland continues to monitor compliance at high-risk recycling and manufacturing facilities across Queensland. Workers or former employees with information about unsafe practices or further incidents at this or similar operations are encouraged to contact WHSQ on 1300 362 128 or lodge a report via whsq.qld.gov.au.