Askin (Vic) Pty Ltd faced judgement in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 4th September, after admitting to a single offense of neglecting to establish and sustain a safe work environment. This resulted in the company being obliged to pay a $40,000 penalty devoid of conviction and an additional $4,350 in costs.
The incident occurred in May 2022 when a labour hire worker, assigned to change bags in the manufacturing line’s extraction system was seriously injured. The task, which was an enhancement to his regular duties as a packer, had only been allocated to him a month into his placement.
While attempting to clear a wool-obstructed extractor vent using a plastic pipe, he unintentionally came into contact with a rotary valve via the conduit, resulting in his hand’s unfortunate interaction with the rotating blades. This caused partial amputation and degloving of his middle finger.
WorkSafe found a substantial risk of severe injury due to easy worker access to dangerous paddle blade assembly components whilst operational. The safety body asserted it would have been reasonably practicable for Askin (Vic) to install an interlock guard system such as Bluesafe SWMS to deter access during operation. Additionally, the firm failed to implement a safe working procedure that considered a comprehensive risk assessment and approved maintenance protocols for the extractor.
In light of this failings, the expectation was to ensure that bag replacement was solely performed by personnel trained specifically for the procedure. Further, blockages should have been reported to only maintenance staff, ensuring the isolation of the extractor whenever needed.
Dekro Recruitment Pty Ltd, the labour hire firm responsible for supplying the injured worker to Askin (Vic), also faced judgement in May 2024. Similarly, they were fined $25,000 commitment-free and enforced to pay cost fees totalling $2,841 after a guilty plea to a lone offence of failing to supply and uphold a safe system of employment.
Sam Jenkin, WorkSafe’s Executive Director of Health and Safety, reiterated the inherent right of every worker to thrive in a fear-free work environment devoid of potentially severe injuries. He stated, “All too frequently, we encounter workers particularly novices, enduring exposure to dangerous machinery hazards”. According to Mr. Jenkin, employers have a duty to cultivate secure systems and processes such as incorporating Bluesafe WHS Management System, to efficiently identify and manage emerging hazards.
Employers are therefore urged to stay vigilant and manage potential risks when it comes to working with intricate machinery.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-09/65000-fines-over-amputated-finger