Workplace injury highlights importance of machine guarding

An avoidable injury to a worker has cost forestry and timber processing company Pan Pac Forest Products Limited a fine of $39,000.00 and reparations of$7,500.00

The Napier District Court heard that in March last year the employee’s ankle was crushed while clearing jammed laths. His colleague, unaware that the injured man was working close by, turned on machinery which crushed his ankle.

Investigations by the Department of Labour found that Pan Pac failed to adequately isolate the hazards associated with the machinery.

“This accident could have been prevented by installing a robust machinery isolation and lockout system, including a high gate to prevent access to the hazard area,” says the Department of Labour’s Central General Manager Ona De Rooy.

The Department’s three-year Safe Use of Machinery Project launched in 2010 is focusing on reducing injury and harm caused by poorly guarded machinery.

“There is no excuse for preventable injuries happening at work. Poorly guarded machinery and the lack of associated safety procedures remains a significant cause of death and injury in workplaces,” Ms De Rooy says.

“We encourage all employers to familiarise themselves with the machine guarding information available on the Department’s website. If they have any concerns at all about safety in their workplace, they should contact the Department to seek advice,” she says.