Court Summary - at a glance

Date of offence:
30 October 2014
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Final decision date:
 
Fine imposed:
$36,500

Safety lessons learned:

As a principle, ensure that a grinder supplied to a contractor was adequately guarded.

Defendant name:
Taranaki Sawmills Limited
 
Industry:
Manufacturing
 
Date of offence:
30 October 2014
 
Facts in brief:
The Defendant company, trading as Taranakipine, is a manufacturer of timber products. The Defendant operated a saw mill shop where they contracted FJ & LJ Robinson Limited to provide servicing and maintenance to saws.

The victim, an employee of FJ & LJ Robinson Limited, based at the saw mill shop site, was using a Wadkin Universal Cutter Grinder when the incident occurred. While the grinder was operating he reached his left hand into the extraction system to remove a grinding disc. His glove and left hand then came into contact with the rotating grinder cutting head and blades.

The victim suffered amputation of his left middle, ring and little fingers as well as damage to associated tendons and muscles.
 
Related prosecutions:
 
Offence section:
Sections 18(1)(a) and 50(1)(a) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
 
Date(s) charged:

Court:
New Plymouth - District Court
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Final decision date:
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Fine imposed:
$36,500
 
Maximum fine available:
$250,000
 
Reparation:
$10,000
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