Polycell Australia Pty Ltd suffered a significant setback at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 7th July, upon conceding guilt to charges levied for failing to maintain the safe operation of equipment and a sound work system. They also received accusations of neglecting to notify WorkSafe about an unfortunate incident.
The firm was further directed to bear costs amounting to $5,829.
In February 2023, an instance evolved where a worker was in duty operating equipment designed to manufacture bubble wrap envelopes involving multiple stages of rollers, folding mechanisms, along with heat sealing machines and guillotines.
When the worker endeavoured to clear obstructive material lodged in the envelope machinery, her right hand got woefully trapped in a roller, resulting in severe damage necessitating several surgeries including the amputation of a finger.
WorkSafe was informed of the mishap via a call from the worker’s partner, while the official report from the employer arrived only post-inspection of their workplace a few days later.
Reports confirmed that WorkSafe had previously issued improvement notices to Polycell Australia regarding safety measures on other machines in the same office.
Polycell Australia was reasonably expected to implement a permanent interlocked perimeter guard on the envelope machine, and to establish a safe mechanism for addressing obstructions in the machine through execution of a lock out, tag out procedure.
Sam Jenkin, WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety communicated that Victorian workers should have faith in their workplaces’ commitment to minimizing the risk of serious harm. He said, “Hands being injured or crushed whilst operating machinery is highly avoidable if simple measures are considered. However, disappointingly these incidents still occur too frequently.” He expressed dismay over how long it took for this incident to be reported, affirmatively stating that no hesitation will be shown in taking action against defaulters who shirk responsibility after failing to uphold health and safety regulations.
Employers are entrusted with the task of managing risks associated with machinery and plant operations, investing in work safety products such as Bluesafe SWMS, WHS Management Systems and policies to ensure worker’s safety and compliance with regulations.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-07/manufacturer-fined-80000-after-worker-loses-finger
