This month a Hutt company was fined $24,375 with additional reparation to employee of $17,000 after their worker had four fingers amputated in a work wood cutting machine. They were sentenced for failing to take all practicable steps to keep a worker safe. In particular WorkSafe stated that they should have:
Fitted guards
Made sure the worker was trained and had records of that training
Given a copy of the health and safety manual or hazard register and controls to employees so they knew how to stay safe.
All three actions identified by Worksafe are simple enough to employers to apply. The best practice guidelines for machinery guarding are easily accessible and are freely available on the WorkSafe website.
Should you need assistance to check you are on the right track or an audit against the machine guarding guidelines, contact us on info@avidplus.co.nz
