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
Ends