Business fined after worker traps arm

7 December 2012

Business fined after worker traps arm

A bakery firm has been fined $34,000 and ordered to pay reparation of $4,000 after an employee’s hand was crushed.

The Auckland District Court heard yesterday that on February 27 this year at the Hannigan Drive, Glen Innes premises of Abe’s Real Bagels an employee was using a machine to produce bagel crisps. When the dough stuck to one of the rollers he attempted to clear it while the machine was still operating. As he did so his right hand became trapped leaving him with crush injuries to his middle and ring fingers.

John Howard, Northern Division General Manager, Health and Safety, said: “The employer had a duty to ensure that all practicable steps were taken to ensure the safety of employees. All that was needed was the installation of fixed guarding and updated procedures. This did not happen and as a result an employee suffered significant and avoidable injuries.

“Even though the principles of machine guarding are well known, people are still seriously injured and killed because machines are poorly guarded or not guarded at all. It is essential that all employers and employees understand the hazards associated with the use of machinery in the workplace. Information and guidance material is available on the Ministry’s website.”

“There are very clear and long-standing principles around safe machine guarding and all the relevant information is freely available online at www.dol.govt.nz/safe-use-machinery/index.asp

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