Northland company fined after worker loses part of finger in unguarded pressing machine

A Northland company has been fined for safety failings after a worker lost part of his finger in a workplace incident in June 2021.

On Thursday, the Whangārei District Court ordered the company to pay a fine of $220,000 and $31,000 in reparations following the incident.

WorkSafe said the man’s finger was partially amputated after his hand slipped into a pressing machine, and he was unable to work for two months.

WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Danielle Henry said, “This machine was not fitted with any observable safety devices whatsoever.”

“It was possible to have physical guards and safety sensors installed on the machine, which would have protected the workers using it.”

Read the full story on the WorkSafe NZ website.