Company said it 'deeply regrets' incident, also offering 4-year retraining course
An engineering firm has been fined nearly $250,000 after an employee had to have parts of his three fingers amputated as a result of a workplace incident, according to reports.
The workplace incident took place in January 2022, after an employee used a faulty punch and shear machine that crushed his hand, Stuff reported.
WorkSafe concluded in its investigation that there was a lack of guarding in the machine that would have been crucial to prevent the incident.
It laid charges against Thompson Engineering in November 2023 under the Health and Safety at Work Act, with the company initially entering a non-guilty plea.
"Guarding is the obvious bread and butter of the Health and Safety Act for manufacturers," Sam Cossey, WorkSafe's counsel, later submitted in court. "It is simple, cost effective and ensures machines such as this remain safe."
Firm ‘deeply remorseful' after workplace accident
The engineering firm later pleaded guilty to the charges, according to Stuff.
Sam Crosbie, defence counsel, said the injured employee remains employed with the company and was already paid $30,000 for emotional harm, with a further $5,000 offered. The company is also "deeply remorseful and deeply regrets the accident."
The counsel added that the company also took steps to update its procedures and engaged with a third party to provide leadership training, among other initiatives.
Safety-related fines for engineering firm
Judge Brian Callaghan acknowledged in his ruling that the company "acted responsibly" since the accident took place.
"The company hasn't been slow in coming forward with other financial help. It has paid a large amount of reparation already and for actual costs, including shortfalls in ACC payments," Callaghan said as quoted by Stuff.
"The company is also funding a four-year course for the victim to re-train as an apprentice carpenter. The relationship appears to be harmonious."
Callaghan started with a $450,000 starting point for penalties, which got a 45% discount for the guilty plea and previous good safety record, reparation, remorse, and remedial steps taken.
This left Thompson Engineering with a fine of $247,500.