Employer ordered to pay $293,000 after employee injured by machinery…

The District Court has ordered an employer to pay $293,000 after an employee was caught in machinery.

The employee was cleaning a part of a machine when her arm was caught in the moving parts. She was stuck in the machine for 10 minutes, and sustained serious injuries to her arm.

Worksafe’s investigation found that not only was the machine unguarded, but the employer had identified the risk to employees, telling them only to clean the machine when it was turned off.

Worksafe noted that identifying hazards was only one half of the job, and that employers must take steps to eliminate or minimise risks as far as reasonably practicable. Placing guards on dangerous machinery is normal practice when ensuring employee’s health and safety.

The Court ordered the employer to pay a fine of $253,125 and $40,000 in reparations to the employee.

Although this employer already had a safety plan, it could have avoided harm to its staff, and an expensive penalty, if it had implemented and enforced the plan.

If there are concerns regarding the development and implementation of a health and safety plan 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