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Visy Workplace Accident: $375,000 Fine After Conveyor Amputation
Introduction
Packaging giant Visy faces a substantial fine after a devastating workplace accident at its Smithfield facility in Sydney resulted in an employee losing his leg due to a conveyor belt and trolley car collision.
Details of the Visy Workplace Accident
On June 25, 2020, an employee working on a conveyor belt at Visy’s Smithfield site unknowingly stepped into the path of an oncoming trolley car. His left leg was trapped between the car and conveyor, resulting in a crushing injury to his ankle. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, the severity of the injury and a subsequent infection ultimately led to the amputation of his leg below the knee.
Investigation and Legal Ramifications of the Visy Accident
SafeWork NSW, the state’s workplace health and safety regulator, conducted a thorough investigation into the Visy workplace accident. Their findings revealed that a risk assessment conducted just six months prior to the incident had identified the potential for “crush/pinch points” between trolley cars and conveyor corners. Despite this forewarning, Visy failed to implement the recommended safety solutions to mitigate the risk.
As a result of their negligence, Visy was prosecuted by SafeWork NSW and received a $375,000 fine for its failure to address the identified hazards. This Visy accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to workplace safety regulations and proactively implementing measures to protect employees.
Workplace Safety and the Visy Incident
The Visy workplace accident underscores the critical need for companies to prioritize the safety of their employees. Regular risk assessments, timely implementation of safety measures, and a culture of safety are essential in preventing such devastating incidents.
SafeWork NSW Executive Director of Compliance and Dispute Resolution, Tony Williams, emphasized the significance of proactive safety measures, stating, “This incident is a reminder to all businesses that safety needs to be paramount. Ignoring known risks can have devastating consequences.”
Additional Information
For more information on workplace safety regulations and resources, visit the SafeWork NSW website: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/
Internal Link: For another example of a workplace accident, you can read about the Bundaberg farming accident.
By prioritizing workplace safety and taking proactive measures to mitigate risks, companies can prevent tragic accidents like the one that occurred at Visy. The well-being of employees should always be paramount in any workplace.