GEELONG BUSINESS FINED OVER WORKPLACE INCIDENT
Source: WorkSafe Victoria
A Geelong business has been convicted and fined $6000 over an incident that
left a chef with a broken arm after her sleeve became caught in an
unguarded machine.
GT 10 Geelong Pty Ltd, which operates "The Groove Train" restaurant in
Geelong, was fined in the Geelong Magistrates' Court yesterday after it
pleaded guilty to failing to provide safe plant to its employees.
The court heard the chef was preparing pizza dough using a large unguarded
mixer on 2 August 2010 when her sleeve became caught in the machine's
rotating hook.
The worker's arm became trapped in the machine while it continued to
operate and was switched off by nearby colleagues after they heard the
chef's plea for help.
The worker suffered a broken left arm, muscle damage and was unable to work
for four weeks.
A WorkSafe investigation found the mixer had originally been fitted with a
guard and a cut-off switch design to activate when the lid was raised, but
it had broken off two weeks prior to the incident.
It was possible for someone to put their hands into the bowl while the
machine was operating and the dough hook was rotating. The employer allowed
the unguarded machine to remain in use, the court was told.
The investigation also found employees did not receive adequate training on
how to properly use the machine. The court heard the company installed a
replacement guard immediately after the incident.
WorkSafe's Operations General Manager, Lisa Sturzenegger, said guarding on
machinery was an essential component that kept workers safe.
"Unfortunately, we often hear of workers being pulled into machinery and
suffering horrific injuries," she said.
"Such incidents can easily be avoided if workplaces ensure machines have
appropriate guarding and that staff are trained in how to operate
equipment."
"Not only does equipment maintenance often come at little to no cost, but
it ensures workers get to go home safe at the end of the day."
Media inquiries only: Rosanna Bonaccurso - 0478 305 640.
