E tลซ has welcomed the big fine handed down to Carter Holt Harvey LVL plant at Ruakaka in Northland after a member was seriously injured in October 2016.
Steven Vincent had his chest and shoulder crushed, suffering multiple fractures, lacerations and lung injuries after his body became trapped in a conveyor belt at the plant.
A WorkSafe investigation found the LVL press machine wasnโt guarded, in breach of the companyโs health and safety procedures.
In the District Court in Whangarei today, CHH LVL Ruakaka was ordered to pay Mr Vincent $55,000 in reparations, and fined $371,000 plus costs.
E tลซ organiser, Annie Tothill says the judge said he had taken into account the fact that there were more than 26 previous cases involving Carter Holt Harvey, some involving a lack of guarding, which in this case added another $60,000 to the fine.
โThis was essential guarding,โ says Annie.
โSteve was putting his body at risk.ย His whole body went into the press. Not only was there inadequate guarding: there was no guarding at all.โ
Annie says the fine sends a message that workplaces must be safe and that a failure to meet basic safety requirements is unacceptable.
โSteve has suffered months of agony and recovery from his injuries โ heโs only recently had more surgery for the lung damage caused by this terrible accident and may require more,โ says Annie.
โHe is lucky to be alive.โ