Manufacturer charged after worker killed in machine crush

Victorian metal manufacturing company Rapid Perforating Pty Ltd has been charged over a workplace fatality in February 2021. The incident occurred in Epping, when a worker was using a turret punch to perforate metal; the worker became entrapped between the machine and a table. The company is facing three charges under sections 21(1) and 21(2)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, for failing to provide or maintain plant that was safe and without risks to health.

WorkSafe Victoria alleges that the company failed to reduce the risk of death or serious injury from the turret punch by failing to place adequate guarding around three danger areas of the machine. The company is also facing a single charge under sections 21(1) and 21(2)(e) of the Act for failing to provide information, instruction and training to enable workers to perform their job safely. The matter will be addressed at a filing hearing on 26 May 2022.

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