Pacific Tissue Pty Ltd has received a penalty of $150,000 handed down by the Industrial Court of NSW. This substantial fine is due to a prosecution initiated by SafeWork NSW.
The case stems from a serious incident on 8th March 2023, when an employee suffered severe injuries while processing paper in a machinery used for manufacturing toilet rolls. Tragically, the worker’s left hand was caught and crushed within the rollers of the machine.
In response to these circumstances, Pacific Tissue Pty Ltd accepted guilt for a violation under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). Specifically, their failure to conform to their responsibilities as outlined in section 19(1) of the Act.
To better understand the judgement against Pacific Tissue, one can visit the NSW Caselaw website for comprehensive details. There it should be mentioned that Pacific Tissue Pty Ltd reserves the right to contest this sentence through an appeal.
If employees harbour any concerns about the health and safety standards at their workplace, they can discreetly reach out to SafeWork on 13 10 50 or use the Speak Up Save Lives application.
For both business owners and employees seeking resources to manage risks associated with working around plant, machinery and equipment, inclusion of WHS management systems like Bluesafe WHS Management System can greatly enhance workplace safety measures. A well-integrated system can identify potential hazards and create safe work methods statements (SWMS), paving ways for prevention rather than cure.
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer emphasised: “Maintaining worker safety amidst unguarded machinery poses a known hazard across all industry sectors throughout our State. It embodies a preventable risk. Hence, SafeWork NSW urges every businesses to comply with their duty to protect their employees working with plant, machinery and equipment.”
Generating and following SWMS, like those provided by Bluesafe SWMS, can prove instrumental in creating a safer and more secure working environment.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/company-fined-150000-after-worker-injured-in-tissue-manufacturing-machine
