Court Summary - at a glance
Date of offence:
Between 26 April 2018 and 17 May 2018
Plea:
Guilty
Decision:
Convicted
Final decision date:
Fine imposed:
$38,500
Safety lessons learned:
- Follow its written policies and procedures for new assignments relating to the cleaning and disinfecting work at farms identified in the Biosecurity Response to the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak;
- Ensure its workers are provided with adequate training, information and personal protective equipment;
- Complete an inspection (or similar) to ensure its workers are undertaking their task safely;
- Consulted, co-operated and co-ordinated activities with AsureQuality Limited about a safe system of work for the cleaning and disinfecting work.
Defendant name:
OneStaff (Queenstown/Invercargill) Limited
Industry:
Agriculture
Date of offence:
Between 26 April 2018 and 17 May 2018
Facts in brief:
AsureQuality was contracted by Ministry of Primary Industries to deliver cleaning and disinfection services in the biosecurity response to Mycoplasma bovis (M.bovis). By early February 2018 M.bovis was identified in farms near Invercargill. OneStaff was contracted by AsureQuality to provide temporary workers for the cleaning and disinfecting work.
On 17 May 2018 a group of OneStaff workers were cleaning a shed at Southern Dairies Centre Farm using a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner called X-Clean DOO AWAY. Seven of the workers suffered minor or superficial burns as a result of contact with the product. Five were taken to hospital to receive treatment.
On 17 May 2018 a group of OneStaff workers were cleaning a shed at Southern Dairies Centre Farm using a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner called X-Clean DOO AWAY. Seven of the workers suffered minor or superficial burns as a result of contact with the product. Five were taken to hospital to receive treatment.
Offence section:
Sections 36(1)(a), 49(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Date(s) charged:
20-May-19
Court:
Invercargill - District Court
Plea:
Guilty
Final decision date:
Decision:
Convicted
Fine imposed:
$38,500
Maximum fine available:
$500,000
Reparation:
$1,666.66 in emotional harm
$2,392.93 in costs
$2,392.93 in costs
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