Worker's fingers amputated after five days on the job

Wednesday 3 October 2001

A Palmerston North company was sentenced to pay $11,000 this week after a worker had his fingers and part of his hand amputated. $10,000 of the fine went to the victim.

The man, who had been working for just five days at Budget Plastic Ltd, had his hand caught in a plastic extrusion machine. All four fingers and part of his thumb were amputated from his left hand.

"In sentencing the judge said that there is an obligation on anybody who undertakes dangerous activities to familiarise themselves with the prevailing situation in this country. A fine needs to be awarded that encourages people who come to NZ to comply with NZ health and safety standards," said Linda Murphy, OSH Service Manager, Manawatu-Horowhenua.

"In this case the company did not adequately train the worker in the safe use of the machinery,"

"The company had not carried out any form of hazard identification and failed to identify the dangers associated with the unguarded machinery.

"The worker had no previous experience in the plastics industry, no knowledge of health and safety requirements and does not speak English.

"This is a very sad case as the employer spoke little English and was ignorant of the health and safety law. This case demonstrates that companies must adhere to the Health and Safety in Employment Act and protect themselves and their employees."