Court Summary - at a glance

Date of offence:
1 August 2018
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Final decision date:
 
Fine imposed:
$240,000

Safety lessons learned:
  1. Ensure a competent person conducts an effective risk assessment of machinery;
  2. Ensure machinery is adequately guarded;
  3. Develop, implement and monitor a safe system of work for the use of machinery, including training and supervision.

Defendant name:
Wimpex Limited
 
Industry:
Manufacturing
 
Date of offence:
1 August 2018
 
Facts in brief:
The Defendant is in the business of toll processing, contract manufacture and consumer packaging of dry powder and granulated foods. The victim was in the process of cleaning the Dahepack auger machine she was working on when her left thumb was drawn into the machine resulting in an immediate amputation. The victim’s thumb was re-attached during surgery.
 
Offence section:
Sections 48(1) and 2(c), and 36(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
 
Date(s) charged:

Court:
Christchurch - District Court
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Final decision date:
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Fine imposed:
$240,000
 
Maximum fine available:
$1.5 million
 
Reparation:
$15,000