Prosecutions highlight the need for construction safety

Wednesday 25 July 2001

Two recent Auckland prosecutions by the Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH) have highlighted the need for greater safety in the construction industry.

Walsh Contractors Ltd was fined $11,000 this month after an employee was run over by a 20 tonne truck and seriously injured.

The company was fined for failing to take all practical steps to ensure that the actions of an employee did not harm another person. The court commented that the company had a good safety record prior to the event.

A second prosecution was brought against Faber Glasshouses NZ Ltd and a contractor they used E.J. Contractors Ltd. The companies were fined $12,000 and $18,000 respectively.

In that case a worker was hurt when he fell from a pallet which was balanced on the forks of a loader along with 15 sheets of glass.

"OSH welcomes these sentences as they serve as a valuable reminder that accidents can be prevented with the correct training and planning," said John Forrest, Service Manager, OSH Auckland.

"The sentences also highlight the need for companies which engage contractors to ensure that the work is co-ordinated to ensure that health and safety is maintained at all times."

Mr Forrest said companies needed to view health and safety not simply as a cost, but rather as an investment in the future health and profitability of their company.

"Health and safety should be an integral part of any business.

"Employers must take a systematic approach to identifying workplace hazards and put systems in place to protect workers. These systems need to be constantly reviewed and updated."