Tripled fine sends clear health and safety message

Friday, 14 May, 2010

A health and safety fine which was nearly tripled on appeal sends a clear message to Victorian workplaces about the consequences of needlessly endangering workers.

Victorian company A Bending Company was originally convicted and fined $25,000 at the Dandenong Magistrates Court. An appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions to the County Court resulted in the company’s fine being increased to $70,000, with costs of nearly $3000.

“This sends a clear message to Victorian workplaces about what’s in store for them if they neglect health and safety,” Acting Director for Health and Safety Stan Krpan said. “The fact that the Director of Public Prosecutions found the original penalty inadequate, and the increase in the fine on appeal, demonstrates the courts’ attitude towards health and safety offences.

“Workplaces take note - if you needlessly endanger the health and safety of your workers, you’re not going to get off lightly.”

The incident occurred in 2008 at a metal fabrication business, when a 16-year-old worker with no previous experience and minimal training started operating a John Heine press. The front of the press had a hinged drop-down door, which allowed the product and the operator’s hand to be inserted in the press. There was no interlock system to stop the press operating when the door was open.

The worker placed a piece of pipe into the press with his hand. As he removed his hand, he accidentally pressed the foot pedal which activated the press. He suffered a crush injury to his left hand which required the surgical removal to the first joint of three fingers.

The company was well aware of the requirements for guarding, as WorkSafe had issued a notice to the workplace on a previous occasion after finding the press wasn’t adequately guarded. Although this was remedied at the time, the guarding was later removed and replaced with the drop-down door.

The company was convicted and fined on two charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 - for failing to provide safe plant and failing to provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees.

Related News

Alarming commercial driver fatigue, distraction levels: report

A new report by a technology company has revealed some critical data relating to driver fatigue...

Worker crushed by EWP, two companies charged

A plumbing contractor and construction company have been charged after a worker was crushed by an...

$840K fine issued over apprentice death

Following the death of a Riverland apprentice, a manufacturing business has been fined a record...


  • All content Copyright © 2024 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd