Firm to flush out loo risk

Aurizon takes action after toilet workers injured

WE ALSO HAVE A FIRM COMMITMENT SHOULD THIS BE SUCCESSFUL THAT THE TOILETS WILL BE ROLLED OUT ACROSS THE FLEET.

PROJECT Kenny is underway at the Aurizon’s Bowen depot after an issue with toilets and sewerage on locomotives injured two workers.

A complaint was filed with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission over Work Health and Safety after two drivers were injured while dealing with the toilets.

The complaint, filed by the Rail Tram and Bus Union, also flagged the toilets had not been

“manufactured for commercial use and therefore prone to issues” in a commercial setting.

Now, Aurizon is expected to trial new toilets on the locomotives at the Pring Depot near Bowen, which the RTBU hopes will influence change across more sites.

The trial will operate under the name Project Kenny – named for the mockumentary, Kenny, about a man who works for a portable company.

QIRC documents revealed two drivers had been injured in the past 12 months while removing the effluent containers while cleaning the toilets.

One needed medical help. The union identified issues with hygiene and uncontrolled risks for workers when cleaning and using the toilets.

RTBU Northern District toilet rental organiser Less Moffitt said members had escalated the fight earlier this year and ended up before the QIRC.

“The trial will commence in Pring and will be monitored for a month with the new style toilets that incinerate waste,” Mr Moffitt said.

“We also have a firm commitment should this be successful that the toilets will be rolled out across the fleet.”

Mr Moffitt said the benefits should flow to other train crew working in the coal industry.

The trial, which the union will be involved in, is expected to be complete in mid-march.

An Aurizon spokesman said the company was working with the union and employees on the trial.

“We are working to trial a potential replacement system which requires less mainten

LES MOFFITT

ance and handling,” he said.

“We continue to consult with employees and unions on the trial, which is expected to occur in the new year.”