Nippy’s Fined $120,000 Following Severe Workplace Injury in South Australia

Incident Overview

In November 2020, an 18-year-old employee at Nippy’s Waikerie Producers Pty Ltd suffered a severe scalp injury when her hair became entangled in an unguarded sprocket and drive-chain system at the company’s packing shed in South Australia. The worker was attempting to clear a blockage from a conveyor belt when the incident occurred, resulting in her scalp being torn off and requiring multiple surgical procedures and ongoing treatment.

Following investigation, SafeWork SA determined that the company had failed to implement necessary safety measures despite identifying the risks of injury from unguarded moving parts in a 2013 safety assessment. Nippy’s Waikerie Producers Pty Ltd was convicted and fined $120,000 by the South Australian courts.

• In November 2020, an 18-year-old employee at Nippy’s Waikerie Producers Pty Ltd suffered a severe scalp injury when her hair became entangled in an unguarded sprocket and drive-chain system at the company’s packing shed in South Australia

Following investigation, SafeWork SA determined that the company had failed to implement necessary safety measures despite identifying the risks of injury from unguarded moving parts in a 2013 safety assessment. Nippy’s Waikerie Producers Pty Ltd was convicted and fined $120,000 by the South Australian courts.

SafeWork SA is reminding all South Australian employers of their obligation to identify and control hazards from unguarded moving parts in machinery. Workers or anyone with information about similar unsafe conditions at workplaces are encouraged to contact SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255 or report online at safework.sa.gov.au.

In Summary

SafeWork SA is reminding all South Australian employers of their obligation to identify and control hazards from unguarded moving parts in machinery. Workers or anyone with information about similar unsafe conditions at workplaces are encouraged to contact SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255 or report online at safework.sa.gov.au.