Court Summary - at a glance

Date of offence:
21 May 2015
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Final decision date:
 
Fine imposed:
$44,500

Safety lessons learned:
  1. Ensure effective identification and assessment of hazards in a sawdust pit area;
  2. Ensure guarding is installed on a chain and sprocket to prevent access to a moving chain and nip point;
  3. Ensure installation of an emergency stop button within reach of those working by a chain drive motor unit;
  4. Ensure an effective safe operating procedure for the clearance of sawdust is implemented; and
  5. Ensure adequate training of all employees regarding the safe procedure for clearance of sawdust.

Defendant name:
W Crighton & Son Limited
 
Industry:
Manufacturing
 
Date of offence:
21 May 2015
 
Facts in brief:
The Defendant company operates a sawmill as well as a frame and truss plant and building supplies retail stores.

The victim was an employee based at the sawmill. On the day of the incident, the victim was clearing sawdust when he noticed a small sliver of wood stuck in an unguarded chain which was driving a sawdust collection belt. The victim attempted to grab the sliver of wood, his glove became caught and his hand was dragged between the moving chain and sprocket. The victim was unable to turn the machine off as no emergency stop was in reach.

The victim suffered the amputation of three fingers and part of the thumb of his left hand.
 
Offence section:
Sections 6 and 50(1)(a) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
 
Date(s) charged:

Court:
Levin - District Court
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Final decision date:
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Fine imposed:
$44,500
 
Maximum fine available:
$250,000
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