05:36 pm, Wednesday 10 March, 2010

For failing to install a $5,000 guard for meat shredder, a company and its director have been fined $75,000 when a worker’s hand was caught in the machine.

The Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court convicted and fined D R & J Fabbris Pty Ltd (trading as Fabbris Smallgoods) yesterday over a 2008 incident at the company’s Campbellfield factory.

Magistrate Ann Collins convicted and fined $50,000 the training, information and instruction to employees.

The worker was trained on the factory’s larger shredder, which had an interlocking guard. However, the worker was required to work on a smaller shredder, which was unguarded, when the accident took place.

The shredder became blocked with meat when the employee tried to get the meat off by pushing it with his hand, without turning the machine off. As a result, the shredder’s blades caught his hand.

The accident cost the middle three fingers of the worker, which were removed to the knuckle. He also suffered damaged nerves, constant pain, and restricted movement of his thumb.

WorkSafe Victoria’s Acting Health and Safety Director Stan Krpan said amputations were a major source of serious workplace injuries – with many reported in the manufacturing industry each year.

Fabbris Smallgoods’s director, Dino Fabbris, was separately convicted and fined $25,000 for failing to have the shredder guarded – despite working on the factory floor daily and taking managerial responsibility for the company’s two factories.

Mr Krpan said company directors have a responsibility over their workers’ health and safety.

“In this case, we have a director who was aware that the unguarded shredder was a hazard, and did nothing about it. This has resulted in prosecution for the company, and the loss of livelihood for a worker,” he said.

“This is a reminder to directors – especially those assuming a hands-on role in their company – that it’s their responsibility to step up to the mark and make decisions on health and safety for their company.”

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