New Zealand employer fined after young worker blinded in one eye

A New Zealand fencing employer has been fined $22,500 after a teenage worker lost vision in one eye more than two years ago.

The 17-year-old man was chiselling when a piece of metal flew into his right eye.

The teen lost sight in the eye despite multiple surgeries.

The employer did not report the incident to WorkSafe as required by law.

Several months later, the victim’s mother reported the incident and WorkSafe launched an investigation.

The Kaikoura District Court ordered the employer to pay $22,500 to the victim for emotional harm and consequential loss.

Read the full story on the WorkSafe NZ website.