Court Summary - at a glance
Date of offence:
6 March 2015
Plea:
Guilty
Decision:
Convicted
Final decision date:
Fine imposed:
$39,375
Safety lessons learned:
- Ensure adequate safety barriers are installed on a landing where there is a risk of a fall from height;
- Ensure an emergency exit that is not intended to be otherwise used is clearly labelled as an emergency exit only;
- Install an alarm system to alert staff when an emergency exit door is opened; and
- Ensure patrons use an appropriate designated smoking area.
Defendant name:
Waipa Workingmen's Club Incorporated
Industry:
Hospitality
Date of offence:
6 March 2015
Facts in brief:
The Defendant is an incorporated society operating a bar, club and dining facility.
The incident occurred when the victim, a patron at the club, had gone outside for a cigarette using an emergency exit. The victim was standing on an unguarded external stairwell landing. When the victim stepped back to allow a friend to re-enter the building, the victim fell three metres onto a concrete patio area below.
The victim suffered serious injuries to the spine, shoulder and neck and also suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.
The incident occurred when the victim, a patron at the club, had gone outside for a cigarette using an emergency exit. The victim was standing on an unguarded external stairwell landing. When the victim stepped back to allow a friend to re-enter the building, the victim fell three metres onto a concrete patio area below.
The victim suffered serious injuries to the spine, shoulder and neck and also suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.
Offence section:
Sections 16(2)(b)(ii) and 50(1)(a) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
Date(s) charged:
Court:
Te Awamutu - District Court
Plea:
Guilty
Final decision date:
Decision:
Convicted
Fine imposed:
$39,375
Maximum fine available:
$250,000
Reparation:
$45,000
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