Employer ordered to pay employee $15,000 after fall…

The District Court has ordered an employer to pay an employee $15,000 after a fall resulting in moderate injuries.

The employer was contracted to build a shed. In order to complete work on the roof an employee was working from machinery. However the equipment fell bringing down the employee with it. The employee’s harness had not been secured properly and he suffered leg injuries.

None of the employees using the equipment were trained how to operate it safely, nor were they being supervised by someone with the required expertise.

The Court ordered the employer to pay the employee $15,000 compensation and issued a training order, to ensure the Director and employees undertook the necessary height safety training.

Any time employees are working above the ground it is important that all steps are taken to eliminate or  minimise the risk of falls. Failure to do so may result in prosecution by Worksafe, and significant penalties.

If there are concerns about health and safety practices, it is wise to speak with a professional experienced in the area.


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Alan Knowsley
Health and Safety Lawyer
Wellington