New Zealand steel manufacturer fined after worker killed in crushing incident

A New Zealand steel manufacturing firm has recently received a fine of $330,000 after a worker was fatally injured when nine tonnes of poorly loaded steel fell on him four years ago.

In November 2020, the 33-year-old man was sweeping under shelving when it fell on top of him at Wigram.

An investigation conducted by WorkSafe revealed significant safety deficiencies, indicating that the racking system was neither cross-braced nor secured to the floor to ensure stability.

“This is a tragic incident that should never have occurred, if United Steel had managed its risks,” WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Steve Kelly said.

“A professional engineer or a similarly qualified expert is best to advise on any commercial or industrial racking bigger than what you have at home in the garage. Shelving should be fit for purpose and stable fixings in an industrial setting like this are a must.”

See full details here.