12:00 am, Thursday 7 September, 2006

A JUDGE has almost tripled a fine imposed on CSR Limited after two employees were injured in separate workplace accidents.

In the first accident in February 2004, a workman’s arm was dragged into a conveyer belt at the company’s Melbourne plasterboard factory.

In June the same year, a female worker needed major surgery and rehabilitation after her right arm was broken when it became entangled while she inspecting conveyor belt rollers.

CSR originally pleaded guilty to the two charges of failing to provide a safe working environment and failing to maintain safe plant equipment under the Health and Safety Act 1985 and was fined a total of $15,000.

But Victorian County Court Judge Susan Cohen said the original fine was “manifestly inadequate” before increasing the fines to $40,000 plus costs of $4,200 and recording a conviction.

Worksafe Victoria executive director John Merritt said inadequate machine-guarding remained a significant cause of workplace injuries as was inadequate training or procedures.

“Ensuring your workplace is safe is not hard - workers and employers are required to consult on matters affecting safety,” he said.

“Ensuring machines have the right guarding is a basic legal responsibility.

“The sad fact is that injured people frequently do not regain full use of the injured part despite the expertise of surgeons, nurses and those involved in post-injury therapy.”

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