Company Sentenced After Worker Crushed To Death

Thu, 15 Aug 2002

Company Sentenced After Worker Crushed To Death

Crusader Meats was fined $30,000 today after a female worker was crushed to death earlier this year.

The company was prosecuted by the Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH) for failing to ensure the safety of an employee, a 29 year old wife and mother of three.

The accident happened when the worker was trapped in a revolving door while cleaning it. Despite her work mates' frantic efforts to free her, she sustained severe crushing to her chest and died in hospital the next day.

"This was a horrific and tragic accident which could have been avoided," said Kevin Webby, OSH Service Manager, Waikato-Thames.

"The company should have conducted a simple hazard identification process prior to the door becoming operational.

"There should have also been proper training procedures in place, and an emergency stop button on both sides of the door.

"New Zealanders being harmed and killed at work is simply unacceptable.

"Everyone has the right to go to work and be safe. Companies must ensure that workplace hazards are identified and controlled correctly, and that their safety systems are constantly reviewed and updated."

The company was sentenced at the Te Kuiti District Court.

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