Disabled Interlock Fine Increased

In April, a Victorian manufacturer of plastic containers fine was increased on appeal to $75,000.  Employees had been instructed to turn the plant off before entering and a paper notice was affixed to the machine in April 2021 which stated:

 “I would like to remind everyone that we cannot run machines with the doors and gates open. All doors and gates must be closed while the machine is running. This is a safety issue.”

On the day of the 2022 incident an employee opened a machine door to fix an issue. Unaware that the interlock system had been disconnected or over-ridden by tape being placed over the interlock system, the employee made contact with moving components of the machine which resulted in serious crush injuries.