Hay Australia Victoria Pty Ltd, now known as 623452924HAV Pty Ltd, was sentenced in the Bendigo County Court today after earlier being found guilty by a jury of a single charge of failing to provide and maintain safe plant.
The court heard that the company operated a large piece of machinery at the factory known as a multibaler, which included a section referred to as the 'main line'.
In February 2021, a 29-year-old worker was working on the main line when he was crushed between moving and stationary components of the machine.
He suffered serious head and chest injuries and died at the scene.
WorkSafe's investigation found there was a risk of serious injury or death from having body parts crushed between the machine's strapping arch and cutter box.
The jury found that it was reasonably practicable for the company to have eliminated or reduced the risk by installing a light curtain on the main line to prevent access to this danger area.
WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said there was no excuse for employers who failed to protect workers from the risks of unguarded machinery.
"Failing to properly guard every danger point on large and complicated machinery, including those outside the usual working area, is a recipe for disaster," Mr Jenkin said.
"This young man's life was tragically cut short due to the employer's failure and my heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues left to endure such a devastating loss."
To manage risks when working with machinery employers should:
- Identify hazards, assess the risks associated with them and eliminate or control those risks by isolating them or using an alternative.
- Train staff in the safe operation of machines and equipment and provide written procedures in the worker's first language.
- Develop and implement safe operating procedures in consultation with employees and health and safety representatives.
- Ensure safety guards and gates are compliant and fixed to machines at all times.
- Regularly service and inspect machines and equipment.
- Place signs on or near a machine to alert employees of the dangers of operating it.
