Hilltop Meats fined $750,000 after worker loses foot in auger
04 Oct 2025•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
Hilltop Meats Pty Ltd has been fined $750,000 in the District Court of NSW following a SafeWork NSW prosecution. A worker’s foot was amputated after he became entangled in a meal auger while trying to clear a blockage.
The incident occurred on 20 October 2021. While the worker was attempting to remove a blockage from a meal auger conveyer, another worker restarted the machine, causing the auger to entangle him and inflict serious injuries.
Hilltop Meats pleaded guilty to an offence under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), having failed to comply with its duty under section 19(1).
The Court found that the company had not carried out a site-specific risk assessment for clearing blockages in the auger. It also found that adequate controls were not in place to address the task’s risks and hazards.
The Court noted that the controls required were simple, inexpensive and well known to the company. Hilltop Meats has the right to appeal the sentence.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said the Government, employers and unions had an important role in protecting workers. She said establishing SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator sent a clear message that workplace safety was non-negotiable, and that every worker had the right to return home safely.
SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said injuries involving unguarded machinery were a known hazard and a preventable risk across the state and across industries. She called on those working with and around mobile plant, fixed machinery and vehicles to review the safety systems they had in place.
“Businesses are reminded to use fixed guards and covers for meal augers, and to ensure isolation switches are properly engaged.” Schorer also reminded businesses of their duty to protect workers who work with plant, machinery and equipment.
Workers can raise workplace health and safety concerns anonymously with SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives website. Resources for business owners and workers on managing risks associated with plant, machinery and equipment are available on the SafeWork NSW website.
How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your business’s approach to workplace health and safety and identify areas that may need closer attention. Take the free WHS self-check