Watercare fined $12,000 after worker suffers burns

Company fined $12,000 after worker suffers serious burns

Watercare Services Ltd was fined $12,000 in the Auckland District Court today after an accident last year.

The company was prosecuted by the Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH) under the Health and Safety in Employment Act.

"This was an horrific accident that left a contractor with severe burns over most of his body including his face, chest, arms and hands," said OSH Auckland Service Manager, John Forrest.

"New Zealanders being harmed at work is simply unacceptable. In this case it is unlikely the victim will ever return to work.

"The worker suffered serious injuries from an 11KV electrical flashover while working on switchboard equipment at the Mangere wastewater treatment plant.

"The judge commented that the accident would not have happened had Watercare's safety procedures been properly adhered to, a permit for the work obtained, and the necessary isolation carried out.

"Everyone has the right to go to work and be safe. Companies must ensure that workplace hazards are identified and controlled correctly, and that safety systems are constantly reviewed and updated, and that staff are trained and supervised."

© Scoop Media