New Zealand Officals Look to Toughen Safety Rules after Workers Death

Proper machine guarding could have saved the life of a worker killed when he was dragged into a pulp machine, according to New Zealand’s Department of Labor.

In December last year, a worker at Carter Holt Harvey Limiteds Pulp and Paper Mill in Kawerau, died when he was dragged into a large heavy duty pulp press. The worker, Robert Watene Beazley Coromandel, died from crush injuries to the chest. (WCxKit)

At the Whakatane District Court recently, Carter Holt Harvey was fined $47,500.

The Department of Labors Waikato/Eastern Regional Manager, Ona De Rooy says this accident could have been prevented had the machine been properly guarded.

“Machine guarding standards have been in place for more than a century but people still ignore it or forget about it. It is one of the most basic ways to ensure people don’t get hurt or lose their lives at work,” De Rooy stated.

“Unsafe machinery is the cause of a high number of serious harm and fatal injuries in the workplace. Employers have to give top priority to safety for machine users.”

Because of the high number of serious harm and fatal injuries caused by unsafe machinery, the Department of Labor has a three-year machine guarding project underway to improve this aspect of workplace health and safety.

Officials note this case involving Carter Holt Harvey is a good reminder of the importance of adequate machine guarding. (WCxKit)

Employers have to take all practicable steps to make sure that their machinery is properly guarded and workers are trained in the safe operation. Guards must never be removed. The machine manufacturer must be held responsible for unsafe machinery; the employer may file subrogation actions for damages against the machine manufacturer.

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.

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