Manufacturer Fined After Finger Amputation

A & J Australia Pty Ltd was fined $90,000 and ordered to pay $5,966 in costs after a worker’s right index finger was severed while clearing a jam in a newly introduced granulator. WorkSafe found the company had failed to adequately manage risks associated with the new machinery and had not implemented key safety controls such as guarding or interlocks.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said, “Far too often we see workers injured due to moving parts of machinery when there are simple methods to reduce the risk of hands and fingers being crushed or severed.” The case highlights the importance of effective machine guarding, risk assessments and worker training when introducing new equipment.

Visit WorkSafe Victoria for more details.