Your Resources

Fine reduced to $22,000 for injury to worker but no reparation sought…

A company was convicted for Health & Safety breaches and fined.  The employee had fallen and fractured his heel when a forklift he was standing on tilted forward.

The Court held that the accident was foreseeable and easily avoided.  The injury was minor to moderate.  The fine would have been $70,000 but was reduced due to the company’s early guilty plea, remorse, steps to prevent a recurrence, support for the employee, and its poor financial position.  The employee did not seek reparation and was supportive of his employer.

Even with all the support from its employee, and reductions due to steps taken, the fine was still $22,000 which is a significant cost.

If you need help getting your Health & Safety procedures right please give me a call on (04) 473 6850.