In a recent case a meat processing company was convicted and fined after a contractor had her hand pulled into a conveyor at their processing plant.  The contractor’s arm was seriously disfigured when the first emergency stop button failed to stop the conveyor.  It was only after a second emergency stop button was pressed that the conveyor actually stopped.  The company was fined $40,500 and ordered to pay reparations of $20,000.

The Department of Labour have begun a three year push for effective standards for machinery in the workplace, after seeing far too many of this type of accident.  This accident, and others like it, could have been avoided if the conveyor had been identified as a potential hazard and was properly guarded.

Businesses should be aware of their legal obligation to guard machinery properly.  However all businesses, whether they use machinery or not, should take this case as a timely reminder to put systems in place to identify and mitigate workplace hazards.  Businesses should also train employees to identify and manage hazards.

If you would like more guidance on hazards in the workplace see the ‘Safety Action Plan’ in our Downloads section, or feel free to phone Alan Knowsley for a relaxed and confidential initial chat.