Timber company fined $60,000 over hand injury
Issue Date: - Friday, 29 January 2010
Timber miller Pinetec Ltd was fined $60,000 today over an incident in which a worker was badly injured when his hand was caught in machinery.
Pinetec was accused of not providing a safe working environment.
The incident happened at Pinetec’s timber mill in Collie on August 9, 2006. The man’s right hand and part of his thumb were severed when his hand was caught in the cutting head of a moulder.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today the employee’s serious injuries and suffering may have been avoided if the company had taken steps to control who could access the machine.
“Pinetec should have ensured that its employees understood the importance of safe work with this machine and provided training and instruction about how to use the machine,” she said.
“Further steps could also have been taken, such as a time-delay mechanism or a key-lock system on the door into the enclosed area where the machine was located.
“Many workers have been seriously injured and even killed when access to equipment or machinery has not been controlled. It is absolutely crucial that safe systems of work are in place.”
WorkSafe was awarded costs of $2,960.
Further information on safety of machinery can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Arthur Hanlon 9327 8654 or 0408 911 322 (media enquiries only)