Harper Sercombe
An Epping manufacturer has been fined $280,000 over the death of a worker in February 2021.
Metal manufacturing company Rapid Perforating Pty Ltd was sentenced on July 7 in the County Court after pleading guilty to failing to provide or maintain a plant that was safe and without risks to health.
The court heard the worker, who had been working at the factory for a month, was operating a turret punch, a large machine used to perforate sheets of metal.
Co-workers found the 46-year-old pinned between the machine and one of two bolted down tables placed at the front of the machine.
The man died at the scene with severe crush injuries to his torso and arms.
A WorkSafe investigation found a lack of guarding around the danger area presented an immediate health and safety risk, and the fixed table created a trapping space with the moving carriage.
WorkSafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer said workers would continue to die or suffer horrific injuries while employers fail in their duty to ensure machinery is appropriately guarded.
“WorkSafe will not hesitate to prosecute duty holders who fall short of their obligation to keep their workplaces safe,” Ms Beer said.
