WorkSafe Prosecutions: Are You at Risk?

Recently, a Christchurch firm was successfully prosecuted and fined by WorkSafe, after a worker was trapped under the platen of the S15 two station vacuum forming machine while carrying out routine maintenance.

It was later revealed that the machinery had not been effectively locked out to prevent a movement of machine parts, including inadvertent movement.

Two other machines were also found to have faults, with both pieces having defeated interlocks on the doors, leading to the potential to expose the unguarded moving parts of the machines.

The company was fined $52,000 – much less than the possible $250,000 maximum fine they could have been charged with.

According to the WorkSafe website, the Safety Lessons learned include:

• Establishing procedures to ensure machines are de-energized and locked out prior to cleaning, maintenance and repairs being undertaken
• Train employees in the use of this procedure and ensure that the proper procedures are followed
• Implement a system to ensure an effective method for systematically identifying new and existing hazards, and regularly assessing known hazards
• Ensure that an effective system is implemented for checking interlocking guards on machines
• Implement a system to ensure an effective method for systematically identifying new and existing hazards and regularly assessing known hazards

If you have any questions about Health and Safety laws, WorkSafe and how it can affect your business, contact the Health + Safety Coaching NZ team today!