'The circumstances of this injury were absolutely preventable'

A worker has lost three fingers following a company’s failure to appropriately manage risk and identify safe work methods and controls in the workplace.

Canterbury Concrete Cutting NZ Limited was fined $229,921 at the Christchurch District Court today after an incident in April 2018.

WorkSafe’s Chief Inspector Steve Kelly said the employee was cutting alone in a manhole with a concrete saw when he slipped in ankle-deep water and the blade kicked-out, amputating three fingers on his right hand.

Kelly said unfortunately the worker’s fingers were unable to be re-attached.

“The circumstances of this injury were absolutely preventable and any employer carrying out work in this kind of environment should be well aware of the risks,” said Kelly.

“Preventing workers from sustaining serious injury relies on making a risk assessment and ensuring there are appropriate safety controls and emergency procedures in place.”

The worker was left to work alone in the manhole, which was at another site, Kelly said.

“This incident also highlights the importance of consulting, cooperating and coordinating with other businesses involved on a job,” he added.

“I ask employers and workers to consider the long-term impact of losing three fingers.

“This worker has suffered injuries that will affect him for the rest of his life.”