Employer ordered to pay almost $300,000 after employee suffers burns…

The District Court has ordered an employer to pay almost $300,000 after an employee suffered burns to 75 per cent of his body.

The employee worked with coal-heated boilers. When the employee opened the door to the boiler, a build-up of coal caught fire and caused heat and flames to burn him.

The employee was placed into an induced coma and underwent several surgeries after the incident.

Worksafe noted that the employer was aware of this issue and had recorded past occurrences of coal build-up.

Although the employer had identified the hazard, it failed to take action to eliminate or minimise that risk.

The Court ordered the employer to pay the employee $65,000 in emotional harm reparation, in addition to a $230,343 fine.

It is important that employers take prompt action to address any hazards they identify in the workplace. Failure to do so may result in serious injuries to staff and expensive consequences.

If there are concerns around the management of health and safety in your workplace, 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
Health and Safety Lawyer