A glass importing and supply company has been fined $190,000 after a man was crushed to death when large glass sheets weighing more than a ton fell on him in southwestern Sydney.
The man had been offloading the glass sheets from shipping containers at Padstow for 7 Star Glass in September of 2007 when they fell on him. (WCxKit)
He had the help of just one friend – and no glass handling equipment – to lift 20 sheets of glass with a combined weight of around 1.4 tons.
He died in a hospital of severe crush injuries.
The WorkCover Authority of NSW investigated the incident and found that the safety measures to unload the glass panels were inadequate and so began prosecution proceedings.
The company pleaded guilty in the Industrial Court to a breach of the Occupation Health and Safety Act.
The man who died had only been working for the company for two weeks and had received no formal training, instruction on how to unload the glass, or, any supervision while he was unloading.
In handing down the penalty in the Industrial Court, Justice Tricia Kavanagh rejected 7 Star Glass's claims that the risk of injury was remote. (WCxKit)
She said her judgment needed to send a strong message to reinforce to the defendant the responsibility to maintain constant vigilance and take all practicable precautions to ensure workplace safety.
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.
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.
WC IQ TEST: http://www.workerscompkit.com/intro/
WORK COMP CALCULATOR: http://www.LowerWC.com/calculator.php
MODIFIED DUTY CALCULATOR: http://www.LowerWC.com/transitional-duty-cost-calculator.php
WC GROUP: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?homeNewMember=&gid=1922050/
SUBSCRIBE: Workers Comp Resource Center Newsletter
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.
SUBSCRIBE: Workers Comp Resource Center Newsletter
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.
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@WorkersCompKit.com.
