FINE AFTER GUILLOTINE AMPUTATION

The Ringwood Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a mental fabrication company a large fine of $25,000 due to the lack of safe working environments for workers, or risk-free systems as part of the plant’s activities.

In February 2022, the worker, who was attempting to free a piece of metal from the guillotine, had his fingers stuck within the blade. The worker suffered permanent damage to his fingers, despite emergency surgery, with the tips of his pointer and middle finger on both hands being amputated.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said the worker’s life had forever changed due to the failure of his employer to install the required guarding.

“Installing and maintaining safety guarding on machinery is an absolute non-negotiable because without it, terrible and life altering outcomes, as in this case, can result,” Dr Beer said.

“There is absolutely no excuse for an employer failing to protect workers from dangerous machinery and WorkSafe will not hesitate to prosecute those who do.”

To manage risks when working with machinery and plant, employers should:

Identify hazards, assess the risks associated with them, and eliminate or control those risks by isolating them or using an alternative.
Train staff in the safe operation of machines and equipment and provide written procedures in the worker’s first language.
Develop and implement safe operating procedures in consultation with employees and health and safety representatives.
Ensure safety guards and gates are compliant and fixed to machines at all times.
Regularly service and inspect machines and equipment.
Place signs on or near a machine to alert employees of the dangers of operating it.

Read the full article here.