07:45 am, Sunday 28 December, 2008

A WorkSafe prosecutor yesterday said the company had noted in an OH&S committee meeting on August 13 last year that the height of the finger jointing glue head should only be moved when the cutters were not operating.

However, the directive had not been relayed to employees operating the machine.

The risk was remedied one week after the incident when guards were put in place.

Warrnambool Timber Industries started in 1987 and is the second largest producer of laminated beams in Australia with turnover increasing four-fold in the past nine years.

The court heard the company is an Australian leader in relation to work practices and Mr Goodall held a number of high-profile positions within the industry.

The company later spent $145,00 in risk assessments and $220,000 upgrading a hopper system.

Magistrate Ron Saines said it was easy to be wise after an event.

He said the physical and psychological impact of Mr Olle’s injuries would be severe and life-long. He convicted and fined the company $85,000 with $5535 costs, saying a guilty plea had earned it a substantial discount.

OHS News Tip: Safe Work Method Statement

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