Manufacturing no-go for under 15s

A New Zealand manufacturer has been fined $9000 after a 14-year-old boy was injured at its premises.

The boy was employed during his school holidays in February this year, when his wrist was crushed by an unguarded roofing profiler.

HSE Regulations of 1995 state that no employee under the age of 15 in New Zealand is allowed to work in the manufacturing areas of a factory.

Acting health and safety service manager for Manawatu-Wanganui, Marcus Ingley said the boy had been employed as a casual labourer.

Several weeks into the job, he was working on a roofing profiler when the unguarded machine activated suddenly and crushed his right hand. He was taken to hospital and pins were inserted into his wrist.

"It's great that students are able to get work experience and earn some money during the holidays, but employers can't just let them loose in their factory or workshop and hope for the best," Ingley said.

He reminded businesses that employ students to consider their age and experience when assigning work activities and to be mindful of any particular workplace hazards.

20/9/06