Mon, 12 Aug 2002
Company Fined After Worker Suffered Serious Acid Burns
Two companies have been fined a total of $20,000 after being prosecuted by the Occupational Safety and Health Service
(OSH).
The first, Jenkins Biolabs Limited has been fined $17,500, after a worker suffered serious acid burns to his face, arms
and legs.
"The worker was adding 11 litres of concentrated sulphuric acid contained in an open bucket to a process vat", said
Margaret Radford, Service Manager of OSH Canterbury West Coast Region.
"As he was lifting the bucket, he slipped and fell off the chair he was standing on. He suffered serious chemical burns
to his face, arms and legs when he came into contact with the acid. After first aid treatment with cold water, he was
taken to hospital by ambulance.
"Unfortunately, the victim has suffered serious burns, which continue to affect his daily life.
"The handling of sulphuric acid by bucket was inherently dangerous, and the worker had not been supplied with all the
personal protective equipment required for handling sulphuric acid. There was no emergency shower in the workroom."
Another company operating at the same site, Soiltech Limited was fined $2,500 for exposing another worker to the same
hazard. Fortunately, there was no accident or injury to this worker.
"If the hazards of handling corrosive substances had been identified and assessed, as required by the Health and Safety
in Employment Act, then the dangers of handling concentrated acid by bucket would have been immediately apparent and
suitable controls implemented."
"This prosecution and fine should serve to warn employers of the dangers of handling hazardous substances by unsafe
methods" said Ms Radford.
The companies were sentenced today at the Christchurch District Court.
Ends