Have any questions? Call us: Encountered issues on this workplace site or another? If you have suffered work injuries because of the actions or negligence of someone else, then you may be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law.
Introduction
Manhari International, a Melbourne-based scrap metal recycling company, has been fined $40,000 following a severe accident where a contractor’s hand was caught in a shredding machine, resulting in significant injuries.
Details of the Incident
In August 2021, a contractor was injured while attempting to diagnose an issue with a conveyor belt on a shredding machine at Manhari International’s facility in Tottenham. The machine unexpectedly activated, pulling his hand and arm in, leading to broken bones and severe skin damage, necessitating multiple surgeries and skin grafts.
Company’s Response and Legal Consequences
WorkSafe’s investigation revealed that the company had removed essential safety guarding from the machine despite known risks, violating workplace safety regulations. Manhari International pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to ensure a safe workplace and was subsequently fined $40,000 and ordered to pay $4,132 in legal costs.
Judicial Commentary
The court emphasized the critical nature of machine safety guarding, noting that the incident could have been easily prevented had the company adhered to safety protocols. WorkSafe’s Narelle Beer highlighted the importance of maintaining all safety measures to prevent such dangerous incidents.