Melbourne Scrap Metal Recycler Fined $40,000 After Contractor Severely Injured

Tragic Accident Highlights Importance of Safety Measures

In a concerning incident, a Melbourne scrap metal recycler, Manhari International, has been fined $40,000 after a contractor was severely injured while operating a shredding machine at the company’s recycling plant in Tottenham. The accident, which occurred in August 2021, left the contractor with broken bones, skin loss, and permanent loss of function in his lower arm and hand.

According to WorkSafe, the investigation revealed that the guarding on the shredding machine had been removed, despite the company being aware of the risks identified in a previous risk assessment when the machine was first installed in May 2020.

Failure to Prioritize Worker Safety

The Sunshine Magistrates Court heard that it was reasonably practicable for Manhari International to reduce the risks by not removing the factory-supplied guarding, installing guarding over the running in nip-points on the two conveyor belts, and having a safe system of work that included a safe work procedure and required workers to ensure guards were fitted.

“The court heard it was reasonably practicable for Manhari International to reduce the risks by not removing the factory-supplied guarding, installing guarding over the running in nip-points on the two conveyor belts, and having a system of work that included a safe work procedure and required workers to ensure guards were fitted,” WorkSafe said.

Tragic Consequences and the Need for Accountability

The accident has had a profound impact on the contractor, who is unlikely to regain full use of his lower arm and hand. This traumatic and life-changing injury could have been prevented had the company prioritized worker safety and maintained the necessary safety measures.

WorkSafe’s executive director of health and safety, Narelle Beer, emphasized the importance of safety guarding on machines, stating, “It beggars belief that anyone would allow such a machine to operate without this in place. In this case a worker has suffered a traumatic and life-changing injury that sadly, could and should have been prevented.”

The Importance of Maintaining Safety Standards

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining strict safety standards and implementing appropriate safety measures in industrial environments. Failure to do so can have devastating consequences for workers, and companies must be held accountable for neglecting their duty to protect their employees.

The $40,000 fine imposed on Manhari International, along with the order to pay additional costs, underscores the seriousness of the offense and the need for companies to prioritize worker safety above all else. This case should serve as a wake-up call for the industry, prompting a renewed focus on ensuring the proper safeguards are in place to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

May not be reproduced without permission：Rumtoo Recycling Machinery » Melbourne Scrap Metal Recycler Fined $40,000 After Contractor Severely Injured