Gold Coast recycler fined after worker loses three fingers - 24.4.19

A Gold Coast recycler has been fined $160,000 after a worker lost three fingers in a workplace incident.

The company was fined by a Gold Coast Magistrate after pleading guilty to a breach of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

The incident happened when a 31-year old worker was assisting another employee clear a blockage of newspapers on a waste baling machine.

Three fingers on his left hand were crushed, requiring partial amputation and five months off work.

A Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) investigation found a section of the baler designed to guard and prevent access to the area where the worker sustained his injuries had been removed some time prior to the incident.

The Magistrate acknowledged the early plea of guilty and the post-incident actions of the defendant to remove the hazard. He also noted the company was remorseful and had supported the worker since the incident.

Source: OHS News