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Building yard penalised over $66,000 for falling timber
As is common the customers had direct access to the timber yard. A forklift operator removing some timber knocked the next pile of timber which fell and hit a customer walking by fracturing their back.
The employer needed to have a better system for safely storing its timber products and training its employees on how to safely store them.
It also needed to regularly check that items were securely racked.
In addition an exclusion zone should be applied especially when forklifts were operating. A system to control access to ensure pedestrian safety in the yard was required.
The employer was fined $28,875 and ordered to pay $37,500 reparation to the customer.
Alan Knowsley
Health & Safety Lawyer
Wellington
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