Company ordered to pay $347,500 after worker electrocuted

A Company has been ordered to pay $347,000 after one of its workers suffered fatal injuries after being electrocuted at work.

The worker was asked by one of his colleagues to stabilise a piece of equipment that was being moved. This piece of equipment required heavy machinery to be moved as it was firmly stuck in place.

The employee had a firm hold on the piece of equipment as it was being lifted. The machinery used to move the equipment then hit a powerline, electrocuting the employee. This electrocution was fatal.

The Court assessed several factors to decide the level of culpability of the Company. Firstly, it was found that the Company failed to perform an adequate risk assessment for the task. It also stated that the Company had departed significantly from industry guidelines in the way it performed this task.

It was decided that the Company failed to take reasonably practicable steps to avoid risk to its workers, and that it was therefore in breach of its health and safety duties.

The Company was ordered to pay $247,500 as a fine and $100,000 in compensation to the family of the deceased worker.

If there is confusion around the health and safety requirements of a company it pays to seek advice from a professional with experience in the area.

Leading law firms committed to helping clients cost-effectively will have a range of fixed-price Initial Consultations to suit most people’s needs in quickly learning what their options are.  At Rainey Collins we have an experienced team who can answer your questions and put you on the right track.