A Taranaki company has been prosecuted by the Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH) after a worker suffered a
broken pelvis and three cracked ribs following a workplace accident.
Kiwi Dairy Products Ltd was fined $10,000 after failing to ensure an employee was not harmed whilst at work. The entire
fine went to the victim.
"The accident occurred when the worker was taking samples in a ceiling space at the Hawera site. Access to and within
the area was sub-standard. The victim fell 2.7 meters to the floor" said Patrick Cashmore, Service Manager, OSH
Taranaki.
"Falls from heights are a significant hazard in many workplaces.
"In this case the company should have taken practicable steps to ensure the safety of the employee by identifying
workplace hazards. In this case although a hazard identification exercise had been undertaken, this particular hazard
was overlooked.
"To the company's credit since the accident a significant focus on plant and process has been undertaken.
"Employers, principals and those in control of workplaces need to take a systematic approach to identifying workplace
hazards and put systems in place to protect workers. These systems need to be constantly monitored, reviewed and updated
to ensure they are effective."
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