07:25 am, Tuesday 26 January, 2010

Industrial Magistrate Michael Ardlie has convicted and fined the principals of an engineering firm over a workplace incident which cost several of an employee’s fingers.

Trevor and Robyn Haydon (trading as T&R Manufacturing) pleaded guilty to breaching section 19(1) of the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 in failing to provide plant in a safe condition and appropriate instruction, training and supervision.

In September 2007, a female production worker had been asked to operate a heavy press used to manufacture brackets. While operating the press, a moving part of the machine made contact with her left  hand.

The incident resulted to serious injuries. The worker had to have her four fingers amputated in her injured hand.

According to the Victim Impact Statements submitted to the court, the worker has also suffered disturbed sleep, flashbacks, anxiety and frustration due to restrictions in her social activities and ability to find “gainful employment”.

SafeWork SA argued before the court that the machine was inadequately guarded. According to the According to the OHS agency, a pair of vice grips had been attached to the finger guard at the front of the press, restricting its full range of movement and allowing access to the main moving parts during operation.

SafeWork SA also submitted that the level of information, instruction, training and supervision with regard to use of the machine was insufficient, especially since the employee did not use the machine regularly.

Industrial Magistrate Ardlie said that despite there being policies in place at the time of the incident, “those procedures were deficient”.

He fined the two defendants $10,000 each after discounts of 20% for their guilty pleas and cooperation with investigators.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Michele Patterson noted that insufficiently guarded machines are still a major cause of workplace harm.

“This case highlights an issue that remains a priority for us, as our inspectors work with manufacturers to improve their safety systems before someone is hurt, not after,” Ms Patterson said.

The Barossa Valley principals submitted that they have taken steps to improve safety. They also said the machine is no longer in use.

Report by Julia Alder - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know