Court Summary - at a glance

Date of offence:
16 January 2014
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Final decision date:
 
Fine imposed:
$11,250

Safety lessons learned:
  1. Ensure the felling of one tree was completed prior to commencing the scarfing of subsequent trees.
  2. Ensure the scarfing was done correctly and safely.
  3. Ensure the employees are a safe distance from hazards, particularly the pre-scarfed trees, the machinery and the felling.
  4. Ensure the employees were using safe operating procedures in relation to the above deficiencies.
  5. Provide appropriate supervision in relation to the deficient.

Defendant name:
Rodney Joseph Bryant
 
Industry:
Forestry
 
Date of offence:
16 January 2014
 
Facts in brief:
Employees were exposed to a risk of harm during a tree felling operation. Trees were pre-scarfed. Safe distances were not maintained and falling cuts were not in accordance with the ACOP. The Defendant’s brother and business partner was killed by a falling tree during this operation. The Defendant was not present on the day of the tree falling.
 
Offence section:
S6 Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
 
Date(s) charged:

Court:
Blenheim - District Court
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Final decision date:
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Fine imposed:
$11,250
 
Maximum fine available:
$250,000
 
Reparation:
$1,500 of voluntary payment were made to each employee.