A Roseville office fit-out company has been fined after a worker was seriously injured unloading glass panels, Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said.
City Projects Pty Limited was fined $150,000 in the Sydney District Court for failing to ensure the health and safety of its workers.
Mr Kean said SafeWork NSW prosecuted the company after a then 28-year-old male worker was struck by glass panels that were not adequately restrained when being unloaded from crates with a forklift.
“This company failed in its duty of care and should have better ensured a safe working environment,” Mr Kean said.
“Forklifts are high risk machinery, particularly when carrying heavy and potentially hazardous loads like glass panels.
“They can become extremely dangerous – as shown in this case where the forklift was not being operated by a properly trained and licensed driver.”
Mr Kean said the worker was seriously injured as a result of the incident.
“This poor worker had to get a plate and six screws inserted to repair a broken leg, and spent more than 10 days in hospital before enduring weeks of rehabilitation and physical therapy,” Mr Kean said.
“I hope this serves as a serious wake-up call to all businesses that it is their responsibility to ensure workers are properly trained for the job they are employed to do.”
City Projects Pty Limited has the right to lodge an appeal.
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