A workplace safety authority has renewed the call for patience and caution when using heavy equipment, after nearly four dozen people were crushed last year.

WorkCover NSW has released figures for the twelve months from August 2012, during which time 46 crush injuries occurred whilst workers were running large machines.

WorkCover says with the high rate of potentially deadly injuries, people must be vigilant and businesses must look out for their staff.

“Almost every workplace has some form of plant or equipment and there are many associated hazards, including entanglement or crushing, cuts or punctures, being struck by moving objects, electrical or explosive hazards, slips, trips and falls, and manual handling,” WorkCover NSW General Manager, Work Health and Safety Division John Watson says.

“We believe crush injuries and fatalities involving moving large machinery and heavy vehicles can be reduced if attention is paid to the control of the risks associated with working with and on such equipment.”

Tragically, many crush injuries are fatal, with cases leading to death or permanent disfigurement at Fortescue, GlencoreXstrata, BHP Billiton and FMG sites in recent months.

Some industry members have used the figures to push for more accountability from the companies responsible, better safety regulation, an end to one-worker shifts and better safety management training.