Melbourne Scrap Metal Recycler Fined $40,000 for Safety Failures After Severe Shredding Machine Accident

Incident Overview

In August 2021, a contractor suffered severe injuries when his hand and arm were caught in a shredding machine at Manhari International’s scrap metal recycling facility in Tottenham, Melbourne. The machine unexpectedly activated while the contractor was attempting to diagnose a conveyor belt issue, resulting in broken bones and severe skin damage requiring multiple surgeries and skin grafts.

WorkSafe Victoria’s investigation found that the company had removed essential safety guarding from the machine despite known risks. Manhari International pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to ensure a safe workplace and was fined $40,000, plus $4,132 in legal costs.

WorkSafe Victoria’s investigation found that the company had removed essential safety guarding from the machine despite known risks. Manhari International pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to ensure a safe workplace and was fined $40,000, plus $4,132 in legal costs.

WorkSafe Victoria conducted a full investigation into the incident. The investigation revealed that Manhari International had removed essential safety guarding from the shredding machine despite known risks, in direct violation of workplace safety regulations. The company’s failure to maintain these critical safety measures was identified as the primary cause of the preventable incident.

WorkSafe Victoria is reminding all scrap metal recycling operators and contractors of the critical importance of maintaining all machine safety guarding and following lockout-tagout procedures before any maintenance or diagnostic work. Any workers or operators with concerns about similar safety breaches at their workplace are encouraged to report them to WorkSafe Victoria on 1800 136 089 or via the online report form at worksafe.vic.gov.au.