New Zealand-based Tegel Foods Ltd. has been fined $41,250 following an accident at its Christchurch factory, where one of their 1,700 employees was injured using an unguarded machine.
According to information from New Zealand’s Department of Labour, the Christchurch District Court also ordered the company to pay $5,000 in reparation following the accident on 6 October 2010 which resulted in the employee having the top of her finger amputated. (WCxKit)
“The employee was feeding meat through the mincer and her left hand was positioned close to where the meat comes out. Due to the fitting on the mincer, the rotating blade was exposed while the machine was in operation,” said Department of Labour’s Christchurch Service Manager, Margaret Radford.
“The employee’s left ring finger came into contact with the rotating blade and had to be amputated at the first knuckle. Our investigation found that there were a number of things the company should have done to prevent this employee losing the top of her finger.
“The rotator blade should have been guarded and a hazard review should have been completed with the employee when she began work on the mincer. A safe operating procedure for operating the mincer was also missing.
According to Radford, since the accident, Tegel Foods has placed a guard on the mincer and has developed a safe operating procedure and hazard register for this type of machine. It emerged in court that the company has now decommissioned the machine. (WCxKit)
Last year, the Department launched a nationwide project to help reduce the number and severity of machinery-related accidents. In the first year of the project inspectors visited more than 1,400 workplaces to talk with employers and increase their awareness of machine guarding.
Note: this is ALSO a potential product liability claim, and an employer may wish to file a third-party action against the manufacturer of the equipment. Make sure your insurance companies are filing such claims for injuries which occur on equipment manufactuered by another company.
Author Rebecca Shafer, JD, President of Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. is a national expert in the field of workers compensation. She is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. Her expertise is working with employers to reduce workers compensation costs, and her clients include airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. She is the author of the #1 selling book on cost containment, Manage Your Workers Compensation: Reduce Costs 20-50% www.WCManual.com.
Contact: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
British businesses have been reminded about new incident reporting arrangements that were introduced starting September 12, according to information from Health and Safety Executive HSE
Only fatal and major injuries and incidents will be able to be reported by phone to the HSE, with all other work-related injuries and incidents reportable under RIDDOR to be reported via one of a suite of seven online forms available on the HSE website. (WCxKit)
According to Trevor Carlile, director of HSE of Strategy, "This should not be a significant change for many, as more than half of reportable injuries are already notified to HSE through the website. The new forms are intuitive, quick, and easy to complete. The most important thing is that there will still be somebody at the end of the phone to assist those who are reporting a traumatic event that has resulted in a death or major injury.”
Later this month, the HSE Infoline telephone service currently providing basic information services to callers will end. Instead, from September 30, those seeking information and official guidance will be directed to the HSE website – a huge knowledge bank where they can access and download resources and use interactive web tools free of charge. Various improvements have been made to the HSE website to coincide with the closure of Infoline. (WCxKit)
There is clearer information on what HSE does and does not do, so people can check that HSE is the right organization to assist them, and expanded'question & answe' sections for the most frequent health and safety enquiries such as those on RIDDOR reporting and First Aid.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk 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. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
New Zealand’s Department of Labor and Accident Compensation Corp. are consulting on behalf of the minister for ACC on five regulatory proposals relating to payment for treatment in the cost of treatment regulations. According to a report from the ACC, the study will cover these five areas.
1. Introduce a regulated rate for nurse practitioners.
2. Add three podiatrist procedures.
3. Increase the regulated price for GPs and nurses.
4. Make all rates in the Regulations GST-free.
5. Make two minor technical changes.
1. Introduce a Regulated Rate for Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners were recognized under a 2008 amendment to the Accident Compensation Act 2001 as they have a wider scope of practice than registered nurses. However, ACC currently pays them the same rate as registered nurses as there is no specific rate in the regulations for nurse practitioners. The consultation document proposes a regulated rate for nurse practitioners.
2. Add 3 Podiatrist Procedures
There are three podiatry procedures managed by ACC under a letter of agreement, which was developed as an interim measure until the procedures could be added to the regulations. It is proposed that the three procedures are incorporated into the regulations so that the agreement is not required.
3. Increase the Regulated Price for GPs and Nurses
Each year, ACC is required by legislation to review the amounts relating to treatment that are prescribed by regulation. Following the 2010 price review, ACC recommended an increase for general practioners (GPs) and nurses in line with the increase paid by the Ministry of Health to district health boards. The consultation document proposes a regulated rate increase for GPs and nurses.
4. Make all Rates in the Regulations GST-free
When GST increased from 12.5 to 15 percent Oct. 1, 2010, the increase affected amounts paid by ACC under these regulations and required public consultation. Other ACC regulations are GST exclusive, so it is proposed that the rates in the regulations are also GST exclusive and the prices are adjusted accordingly.(WCxKit)
5. Make Two Minor Technical Changes
It is proposed to correct two minor technical errors in the regulations; these are to do with an incorrect GST increase and an incorrect code.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk 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. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently released the report on the Inspection Project conducted in 2010 looking at compliance with, and the effectiveness of, the offshore Safety Representative regulations, "Offshore Installations (Safety Representatives and Safety Committees) Regulations 1989", commonly referred to as SI971.
According to a report from HSE, the findings of the report show that significant numbers of 'duty holders' (Installation owners and or operators) are falling short of the mark and in a few cases are well below the standard expected. In particular, duty holders are found to be failing to properly consult workers on issues affecting health and safety, a cornerstone to engaging and involving workers in health and safety matters. (WCxKit)
RMT Regional Organizer Jake Molloy noted, "We've had these regulations for 22 years now and for each and every one of those 22 years industry stakeholders have been speaking about ways of improving 'workforce involvement' in health and safety. What this report shows is the industry is fundamentally failing to involve workers in health and safety matters, as the most basic element in that process – consultation - is not occurring. It's clear the duty holders are either reluctant or unwilling to properly consult; after all they've had 22 years to get in the way of it! It's therefore time the Safety Reps were adequately equipped to fully engage with duty holders and compel them to consult with the workforce. To do this the scope of training for safety reps must be improved." (WCxKit)
In the "Conclusions" of the HSE report it states; "An area where DHs (Duty Holders) often failed to involve SRs (Safety reps) was in consultation. DHs should review their own practice on consultation to make sure they maximize the opportunities for SR involvement in decisions that affect health and safety."
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk 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. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact
More health and safety prosecutions will take place before Inquest as changes to a key agreement between those who investigate and prosecute work-related deaths seek to speed up justice in England and Wales.
According to a report from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), only in exceptional circumstances are cases currently taken before an Inquest by regulators other than the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Health and safety offences are only usually brought at this stage if they are being tried in conjunction with manslaughter-related charges. (WCxKit)
The revised protocol will allow prosecution before Inquest where manslaughter or homicide charges are not relevant – if it is considered appropriate and in the interest of justice.
The changes to the Work-Related Deaths Protocol (WRDP), which took effect Oct. 1, should mean that bereaved families see a swifter resolution to some prosecutions. They are being announced by the Work Related Deaths National Liaison Committee (NLC) and are supported by the Coroners Society.
Richard Daniels, chair of the NLC, noted, "All signatories are committed to seeking justice for bereaved family members, when a work-related death has occurred and someone should be held to account. The change will help us deliver this justice more effectively and sooner in less complex cases.
"The NLC has worked closely with the Coroners Society to agree the changes and they support this swifter resolution of prosecutions in some cases. We also welcome the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Chief Fire Officers Association as formal signatories of the revised protocol."
The change is not mandatory and it is up to each signatory organization to decide how they will implement it (WCxKit)
Set up in 1998, the NLC has greatly improved the communication and collaborative working between all members when involved with a work- related death. It will be welcoming the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA, on behalf of fire and rescue services) as new signatories as part of a number of changes to the protocol.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk 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. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact
Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) officers are increasing inspections of single and multi-family construction projects in Alberta, as the third of three planned focused inspections for 2011.
“Throughout the province, we’re beginning to see an increase in new home construction. We need to ensure safety on these job sites is a priority,” said Employment and Immigration Minister Thomas Lukaszuk. “I’ve said all year long that increased attention on residential construction projects was on my to-do list. Today’s the day.” (WCxKit)
In 2010, almost 1,700 inspections of Alberta’s residential construction sector resulted in 1,000 orders being issued. A lack of proper fall protection topped the list of infractions, followed by issues with hazard assessments, safeguards, and clear entrances, walkways and stairways.
Once the focused inspections and re-inspections are complete and the results are tabulated, the findings will be shared with Albertans. These will include the number of sites visited, the total number of inspections, and the number and types of orders issued.
“Several officers will be wholly dedicated to this campaign.” said Lukaszuk. “My message to Alberta’s home builders and their contractors is that we are on our way.”
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk 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. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Employers and workers using fall protection equipment must have completed an approved training program from a approved training provider according to the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission in New Foundland, Canada is advising. Training begins January 1, 2012.
According to a report from the Commission, workers who have not completed an approved training program will not be permitted to work from heights or to work with fall protection equipment in Newfoundland and Labrador. (WCxKit)
Under Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health and Safety OH&S Regulations, fall protection equipment is required where a worker is at risk of falling three meters or more or is working above hazardous or dangerous areas.
“Seven workers in Newfoundland and Labrador died as a result of falls from heights since 2004,” said Commission CEO Leslie Galway. “All workplace accidents are preventable and this new training requirement will help ensure these types of tragedies are not replayed across the province."
The use of fall protection equipment is required in all industries in Newfoundland and Labrador. These include, but are limited to, general construction, residential construction, road construction, roofing, utilities, oil, mining, fishing, and municipalities
The Commission recently developed the Fall Protection Certification Training Standard establishing criteria for fall protection training providers and trainers. Training providers wishing to deliver fall protection certification training should develop and submit their training curriculum to the Commission for approval.
Fall Protection Certification Training by an approved provider is valid for three years. (WCxKit)
Training is available through a number of providers approved by the Commission. For a complete list of approved training providers and courses, consult the Commission Web site at: http://www.whscc.nl.ca/PREV_FallProtection.whscc.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk 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. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
There's been an adjournment in the case against three companies charged in the 2009 fatal stage collapse at a popular annual country music festival near Camrose, Alta.
The case will be back in court November 9, 2011.
According to a report from The Canadian Press, Panhandle Productions, Global Production Company and a numbered Alberta company have been named in the case. (WCxKit)
A total of 33 charges were laid against the companies after a powerful windstorm swept through the area during the Big Valley Jamboree in the summer of 2009, causing the main stage to collapse.
More than a dozen people were injured and Donna Moore, a woman from Lloydminster, Alta., was killed.
In August, the Crown prosecutor and a lawyer said an adjournment would allow them time to work through the massive amount of information related to the case.
A pre-trial conference has also been requested, to find out if the matter needs to go to trial.
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety is sharing information from this case with other jurisdictions that have seen similar stage collapses recently.
Six people died in August when the stage collapsed at a Sugarland concert in Indianapolis; five died in Belgium when a storm swept in and toppled the stage at the Pukkelpop Festival; and several people were injured when the stage went down at Bluesfest in Ottawa in July.
Each of the charges carries a maximum fine of $500,000 and possible jail time. (WCxKit)
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk 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. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact
A Hokitika forestry worker was off work for months with debilitating spinal fractures, bruising, and kidney injuries after he was hit by a log while in a designated safe area in New Zealand.
According to a report from the New Zealand Department of Labor, his employer, Thomas Logging, Ltd., was fined $17,000 in the Greymouth District Court and ordered to pay reparations of $20,000 following the accident in the Kaniere Forest Block near Hokitika last September.(WCxKit)
The employee was sharpening his chainsaw in an area of the site designated for employees and visitors because it was originally located away from any hazards. However, the layout of the site had been changed two days prior to the accident. This meant the safe area was no longer in a safe place.
At the same time, another employee was using an excavator nearby to clear cut logs. A 5.5 meter log came loose from the excavator hitting the employee in the back, causing his injuries.
“The company carried out a hazard identification before the work started. Then, two days before the incident, they changed the layout of the work area without changing the designated safe area and that put employees in danger of being hit by moving logs and machinery,” said Christchurch Service Manager, Margaret Radford.(WCxKit)
“This employee could have been spared these debilitating injuries if a simple hazard identification was done again after the site layout was changed, and the safe area moved,” Radford added.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk 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. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Our WORK COMP Book: www.WCMANUAL.com
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Some long overdue wages are finally being paid to 57 tree planters, more than a year after they were found without adequate food, water or shelter in a remote camp in southeastern B.C., according to a report from The Canadian Press.
Minister of Labour Stephanie Cadieux says the former employees of Khaira Enterprises are splitting the $105,000 held in trust since the workers were discovered in the squalid camp near Golden, in July 2010. (WCxKit)
The money is part of a Ministry of Forests holdback of payments due to the Surrey-based contractor and makes up just under half of the $228,000 in back wages the B.C. Employment Standards Branch ordered the company to pay its tree planters.
Cadieux says the province will pursue the owners and directors of Khaira, to ensure the remaining wages are paid to the mainly immigrant workers many who had only recently arrived from Africa.
In addition to the payment order from the Employment Standards Branch, the discovery of the abused and hungry workers prompted an investigation by B.C.'s forest safety ombudsman. (WCxKit)
That report, issued in late July, made 13 recommendations, such as changing the way forestry contracts are awarded, to ensure the lowest bidder is not automatically successful.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk 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. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
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