Huge fine for Carter Holt Harvey after worker caught in press machine, seriously injured

Carter Holt Harvey has been fined $371,000 – plus costs and reparations – after a worker was seriously injured by a press machine.

Image: Carter Holt Harvey’s LVL plant at Ruakaka, where the incident happened in October 2016. Photo / File

Steven Vincent’s chest and shoulder were crushed, and he suffered multiple fractures, cuts and lung injuries after he became trapped in a conveyor belt in October 2016.

The company was ordered to pay $55,000 in reparations to Vincent, in addition to the fine and costs.

A WorkSafe investigation found the Carter Holt Harvey plant had breached their health and safety regulations as the press was not guarded.

“Steve was putting his body at risk. His whole body went into the press. Not only was there inadequate guarding: there was no guarding at all.”

“Steve has suffered months of agony and recovery from his injuries – he’s only recently had more surgery for the lung damage caused by this terrible accident and may require more,” Tothill said.

“He is lucky to be alive.”

Vincent initially spent a month in hospital recovering from his injuries but had to return to undergo surgery in August last year.

Source: NZ Herald