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Workplace injury costs employer over $80,000...
An employer pleaded guilty to a charge, brought by WorkSafe, of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure a worker’s health and safety. The worker had fallen four metres to the ground on a construction site.
The Court found there was a lack of proper analysis and planning around the task being performed by the worker and he was inadequately inducted. The man had suffered significant injuries, including a broken wrist, cheekbone and arm. He was hospitalised for four weeks and underwent a number of operations. The Court ordered the company to pay a fine of $45,000 and to pay the worker compensation of $35,000.
The fine imposed was after reducing it for mitigating circumstances as the company demonstrated genuine remorse, had been co-operative throughout the investigations, diligently worked to improve their safety compliance and had offered real support to the injured man and his family.