Fines imposed for firework factory explosion

A fireworks company and its director have been fined a total of $231,000 in the NSW Industrial Court following two explosions at a Leppington fireworks factory in which an employee was seriously injured and another hurt.

The employee suffered third-degree burns to 80% of his body on 10 June, 2003 when a spark from either a mechanical source or static electricity started a chain reaction at International Fireworks Pty Ltd.

The first explosion occurred when about 3-4kg of red star fireworks mix ignited, followed by 2kg of gunpowder exploding in an adjacent room.

The extent of the employee's injuries will prevent him from returning to work.

Evidence provided by WorkCover showed that the employee was not wearing sufficient protective clothing at the time of the incident.

In handing down her judgment, Justice Schmidt said the necessary safe system of work was not implemented or maintained, exposing employees to risks of the most serious kind, which were entirely foreseeable.

International Fireworks was fined $210,000, and its director, Mr Fortunato Foti, $21,000.