Construction company receives maximum fine following injury to apprentice
A Brisbane-based construction company has been fined the maximum penalty of $80,000 in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court for breaching section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (‘The Act’) after an apprentice carpenter sustained serious injuries to his fingers and thumb while operating a drop saw.
The apprentice, who had been indentured to the company for five months, was working at a property in Margate when the drop saw struck a nail and kicked back, slicing into his hand.
The blade amputated all four fingers and his thumb. He was rushed immediately to hospital to have his fingers re-attached.
In evidence before Magistrate Mark Bucknall, the company acknowledged that:
- No written safe work procedure existed for the operation of the saw at the worksite;
- Training and supervision of the task was deficient.
In setting the maximum penalty of $80,000 allowable for the offence, Magistrate Bucknall described the incident as a tragic outcome for the apprentice, who suffered serious injuries at the young age of sixteen.
The Magistrate noted the defendant’s early guilty plea, its willingness to rectify the safe work procedures, and their reputation as a good corporate citizen.
No conviction was recorded.
For queries about workplace safety or other employment questions, please contact Dean Cameron at Workforce Advisory Lawyers – We Know Employment Law on 0417 622 178 or 1300 WAL LAW or via email to dean.cameron@workforceadvisory.com.au
Disclaimer: This information is provided as general advice on workplace relations and employment law. It does not constitute legal advice and it is always advisable to seek further information regarding specific workplace issues. Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
Ref: 455.0724
