Manufacturer fined $80,000 after worker loses finger in machinery

Dandenong Magistrates’ Court sentenced Polycell Australia on Monday 7 July after it pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain safe plant and a system of work, and failing to notify WorkSafe of an incident. The company was also ordered to pay $5,829 in costs.

In February 2023, the worker was operating a machine that makes bubble wrap envelopes using rollers, folding mechanisms, heat sealing machines and guillotines.

While trying to clear jammed material from the machine, her right hand was pulled back into a roller. Her injuries required several operations, including the amputation of a finger.

The worker’s partner alerted WorkSafe to the injury by telephone. The employer only submitted an incident report after inspectors attended the workplace several days later.

The court heard that WorkSafe had previously issued the company with improvement notices concerning guarding on other machines at the workplace.

It was reasonably practicable for Polycell Australia to fit a permanent interlocked perimeter guard to the envelope machine and provide a safe system for clearing jams using a lock out, tag out procedure.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said Victorian workers should be able to trust that their workplace protects them from serious injury risks. “There are simple methods to significantly reduce the risk of hands being injured or crushed when working with machinery, and yet these incidents are far too common,” Mr Jenkin said.

“It’s very disappointing to see this incident go unreported for so long and we will not hesitate to take action against duty holders who try to avoid responsibility after failing their obligation to control health and safety risks.”

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