$10,000 Fine After Worker Injured

Richmond Limited has been sentenced to pay $10,000 after being prosecuted by the Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH) after a worker fell 3.8 metres.

The accident occurred last year when the worker was cleaning wool from a fellmongory roof in a Shannon factory.

The worker was using the steps on a disused tank to get to the roof when he tripped and fell head first into the tank. The man had to spend two weeks in hospital after badly fracturing his arm.

The injured worker spent 15 minutes trapped in the tank and had difficulty attracting attention to obtain assistance after the accident.

"Employers and employees need to make safety a number one priority, especially when workers are working in isolation," said Linda Murphy, OSH Service Manager, Manawatu-Horowhenua.

Judge Lee sentenced Richmond Ltd yesterday to a fine of $10,000 with $7,000 to be paid to the victim.

"The judge noted the company's seven previous convictions at different plants around the country," said Ms Murphy.

"In this case, the judge found that management had failed in their duty to identify hazards and failed to supervise their worker and ensure that he was working in a safe manner."

Falls from heights continues to be a significant cause of workplace injury. In January this year a Christchurch worker was killed after falling 2.5 metres in a factory environment.

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