Operator ordered to pay over $170,000 for health and safety breach…

The District Court has ordered an operator to pay over $170,000 in fines and reparation, in addition to imposing a project order, after passengers were injured during docking.

The operator ran a ferry service. This particular ferry had unusual controls compared to other vessels. A trainee was at the helm under the supervision of the ship’s master.

As the ferry was docking, it swerved unexpectedly into the pier. The collision caused injuries to several passengers.

The operator admitted that the trainee had not been provided adequate training, and that it did not provide appropriate safety warnings to passengers that they should remain seated during docking.

The Court ordered the operator to pay $88,101 in reparations to three passengers for their injuries, and a fine of $86,159.

Additionally, the Court accepted the operator’s project order proposal and ordered that the full cost of it, estimated to be $300,750, was to be borne by the operator.

A project order is an order made by the court that requires a party to complete a specified project for the improvement of health and safety in a particular timeframe.

It is important that all employees in control of machinery and vehicles receive adequate training before they are allowed to operate it. Failure to do so may put the safety of those around them at risk of injury or death, and result in further expensive consequences.

If there are concerns about the training an employer is providing employees operating dangerous machinery, it is wise to speak with a professional experienced in the area.

Leading law firms committed to helping clients cost-effectively will have a range of fixed-priced Initial Consultations to suit most people’s needs in quickly learning what their options are.  At Rainey Collins we have an experienced team who can answer your questions and put you on the right track.




Alan Knowsley