Court Summary - at a glance

Date of offence:
26 September 2013
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Final decision date:
 
Fine imposed:
$20,000

Safety lessons learned:
  1. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) should provide a clear, unambiguous procedure for the set up process to ensure that the employees are not exposed to the unguarded, dangerous parts of the machine.
  2. These machines have computerized controls with password code unlocking functionality. Two separate codes should be used where one is exclusively for servicing, cleaning and other work which did not involve meat processing.
  3. Where it is necessary for the roller to be run, ensure that the process is restricted to trained supervisory staff with clear procedures in place to protect those staff from the unguarded, dangerous parts of the machine.

Defendant name:
Premier Beehive NZ Limited
 
Industry:
Manufacturing
 
Date of offence:
26 September 2013
 
Facts in brief:
The defendant employed the victim as a process worker for the small goods/meat products they produce. On the day of the incident, the victim and another employee were in the process of setting up the meat slicing machine when the victim’s right hand (fingers) were drawn in between the in-feed roller and the shear edge.

The victim suffered crushing injuries to the ring finger and the little finger of her right hand, resulting in the amputation of the ring finger.
 
Offence section:
S6 Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
 
Date(s) charged:

Court:
Masterton - District Court
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Final decision date:
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Fine imposed:
$20,000
 
Maximum fine available:
$250,000
 
Reparation:
$6,000
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