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Sharpline Holdings Pty Ltd

Summary

Incident description:

A worker operating a 'Fabris 315' cold saw cut his right forearm when he went to turn the saw off to change a blunt blade. As he reached across to turn the saw off his sleeve was caught by the rotating blade and drawn into the space between the blade and the motor base.

Investigation findings:

The investigation revealed that the isolating switch was located in a position which exposed the operator’s arm to risk of contact with the saw blade and that the lower half of the blade was not guarded. The company had not identified the rotating saw blade as a hazard and considered that the saw was a low risk item of plant because of the slow speed of the blade.

Considerations for prevention:

(Commentary under this heading may be additional to material before the court.)

Following the incident the company guarded the exposed lower half of the blade, developed a safe work procedure and relocated the isolating switch to the front of the saw.

Court result:

The company pleaded guilty and was fined $33,000. The Court took into account the company’s previous good record, its co-operation with the investigation and the steps it took to manage the risk after the incident when ordering that a conviction not be recorded.

Details
   
Industry:
Manufacturing
Defendant:
Sharpline Holdings Pty Ltd (ANZSIC code 2761)
Date of offence:
19 August 2005
Location of offence:
Eagle Farm
Injury:
Cuts to the right forearm
Offence:
Grievous bodily harm
Court:
Brisbane Industrial Magistrates Court
Magistrate:
Mr W Ehrich
Legislation:
s.28(1) Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995
Plea:
Guilty
Decision date:
14 March 2008
Penalty:
$33,000
Maximum fine available:
$375,000
Investigation costs:
$2,223
Professional and legal costs:
Nil
Court costs:
$65.40
In default period to pay:
Twelve months to pay, in default levy and distress
Conviction recorded:
No
CIS No.:
38532

 

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