;

Court Summary - at a glance

Date of offence:
19 July 2013
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Final decision date:
 
Fine imposed:
$25,000

Safety lessons learned:
  1. Develop and implement a documented hazard identification system.
    1. Adequately guard the Schlatter wire mesh welding machine, namely a fixed mesh guard could be fitted to prevent access into the machine while the machine was in operation, in accordance with Australian Standard 4024 part 1601 2006 Safety of Machinery Standard.
  2. Fit the machines with an interlocking system.
  3. Write, implement and ensure compliance with a documented safe operating procedure for the use of the Schlatter wire mesh welding machine

Defendant name:
Reinforcing Steel and Mesh Limited
 
Industry:
Manufacturing
 
Date of offence:
19 July 2013
 
Facts in brief:
The injured employee was operating a Schlatter wire mesh at the Defendant company’s premises. At the time of the accident, the victim was using a metal rod to reach into the machine (whilst in operation) to connect the cross wires to the magnets. The victim reached into the machine when it automatically compressed catching his wrist and fingers between the metal rod and machine. The victim suffered serious harm.
 
Offence section:
S6 Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
 
Date(s) charged:

Court:
Napier - District Court
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Final decision date:
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Fine imposed:
$25,000
 
Maximum fine available:
$250,000
 
Reparation:
$16,500