$80K fine follows finger amputation using unguarded machinery
After a worker had a finger amputated due to using unguarded machinery, a packaging manufacturer has been convicted and fined $80,000.
The incident
The incident occurred in February 2023, when a worker operating machinery that produces bubble wrap envelopes through a series of rollers, folding mechanisms, heat sealing machines and guillotines attempted to remove material jammed in the envelope machine.
When attempting to remove the jammed material in the envelope machine, her right hand was dragged back into a roller, causing serious injuries that required multiple surgeries, including the amputation of a finger. A call from the worker’s partner notified WorkSafe Victoria of the injury — the employer did not make an incident report until inspectors visited the workplace several days later.
The fine and conviction
The court heard that WorkSafe Victoria had previously issued improvement notices to the company in relation to guarding on other machines at the same workplace.
It was reasonably practicable for Polycell Australia Pty Ltd to install a permanent interlocked perimeter guard on the envelope machine, and to provide a system for safely fixing jams in the machine using a lock-out, tag-out procedure.
At Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 7 July, Polycell Australia was sentenced after pleading guilty to failing to provide and maintain safe plant and a system of work and failing to notify WorkSafe Victoria of an incident. The company was also ordered to pay $5829 in costs.
“There are simple methods to significantly reduce the risk of hands being injured or crushed when working with machinery, and yet these incidents are far too common,” WorkSafe Victoria Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said.
“It’s very disappointing to see this incident go unreported for so long and we will not hesitate to take action against duty holders who try to avoid responsibility after failing their obligation to control health and safety risks.”
To manage risks when working with machinery and plant, WorkSafe Victoria said 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; and
- place signs on or near a machine to alert employees of the dangers of operating it.
A document designed to assist understanding of occupational health and safety duties as a manufacturer or supplier of machinery and equipment (plant) is available here, via the SafeWork Victoria website.
Steel-bending machine's partial degloving lands $90K fine
A steel manufacturing company with a history of WHS offending has been convicted and fined...
Worker struck in stomach by concrete prompts $72K fine
A concreter has been fined $72,000 after a 21-year-old worker sustained serious internal injuries...
$595,000 fine follows hay press cutting chamber injury
In Western Australia, a hay processing company has been fined $595,000 after a worker's leg...
