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Court Summary - at a glance

Date of offence:
30 October 2014
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Final decision date:
 
Fine imposed:
$40,000

Safety lessons learned:
  1. Ensure completion of a hazard identification assessment when a grinder machine is supplied;
  2. Ensure a grinder was not used until it is adequately guarded; and
  3. As a contractor, advise the principal that a grinder was not adequately guarded and that this needed to be addressed.

Defendant name:
FJ & LJ Robinson Limited
 
Industry:
Manufacturing
 
Date of offence:
30 October 2014
 
Facts in brief:
The Defendant company, trading as Fred Robinson Saw Doctor, is in the business of sharpening cutting tools. The Defendant was contracted to provide servicing and maintenance to saws at a saw mill shop operated by Taranaki Sawmills Limited.

The victim, an employee of the Defendant based at the saw mill shop site, was using a Wadkin Universal Cutter Grinder when the incident occurred. While the grinder was operating he reached his left hand into the extraction system to remove a grinding disc. His glove and left hand then came into contact with the rotating grinder cutting head and blades.

The victim suffered amputation of his left middle, ring and little fingers as well as damage to associated tendons and muscles.
 
Related prosecutions:
 
Offence section:
Sections 6 and 50(1)(a) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
 
Date(s) charged:

Court:
New Plymouth - District Court
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Final decision date:
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Fine imposed:
$40,000
 
Maximum fine available:
$250,000
 
Reparation:
$15,000.00