A company has been fined $183,750 and ordered to pay $15,880 reparation after a worker got her arm caught in a machine when she reached into the machine while it was operating.

There was no guard over the machine and staff had not been properly trained in the use of the machine, despite the employee who was injured having worked there for 26 years.

The Court found that the employer should have had a competent person carry out a risk assessment of the machine to ensure that all dangerous aspects were adequately identified and managed.  In addition a guard should have been placed over the machine to stop employees accessing the moving parts.  Training should have been given to employees on the use of the machine including turning it off and isolating it from power prior to performing any work on the machine.

Alan Knowsley

Health & Safety and Employment Lawyer

Wellington