VIC company fined after worker's hand crushed in machinery

VIC Company Fined After Worker's Hand Crushed in Machinery

A Melbourne-based company has been fined $30,000 and ordered to pay costs of $2,509 for breaching WHS regulations after a worker suffered serious hand injuries in a machinery incident. Poor compliance with safety obligations around hazardous plant left this incident preventable.

The incident happened in September 2019 when the worker was attempting to free a jam in a power press machine. Faulty maintenance practices around this type of hazardous plant frequently contribute to serious workplace incidents involving crush injuries.

The machine had not been switched off, and when the worker reached into the stamping bed area, he accidentally pressed the foot pedal, thus activating the machine. He suffered severe crush injuries to his hand as a result of the incident.

The company had earlier pleaded guilty to the breach and was sentenced in the Ringwood Magistrates' Court last week.

Why Machinery Safety Compliance Matters

Businesses operating plant equipment carry ongoing obligations under WHS legislation to identify hazards before injuries occur. Isolation procedures, lockout systems, and regular safety audits form the backbone of legislation designed to protect workers from crushing hazards.

Organisations relying on power presses or similar plant should review their health and safety systems regularly. Effective controls around hazardous equipment reduce the likelihood of repeat incidents and strengthen overall compliance with current legislation.

Consider these key safety measures for hazardous plant operations:

• Ensure machines are fully isolated before maintenance or clearing jams
• Install guarding and interlocks to prevent accidental activation
• Provide clear health and safety training on foot pedal risks
• Conduct routine inspections of plant to identify emerging hazards

This case echoes other recent incidents, including a VIC company fined after a worker's arm became trapped in a shredder and a Melbourne grocer fined after a worker's hand was crushed by a meat mincer. Similarly, a NSW roofing company was fined after a worker falls incident, highlighting how safety failures span multiple industries.

Businesses seeking to strengthen their approach to plant safety and regulatory compliance can review resources such as Worker Contractor Manuals from SafetyDocs, which support consistent safety practices across teams working near hazardous plant.

Additional information is available here.