26 May 2011

Machine safety project begun after 'horrific' injuries

10:59 am on 26 May 2011

Twelve prosecutions in six months have spurred the Department of Labour to launch an industrial machinery safety project.

The department says machine workers have had fingers or limbs amputated, and one man was killed in a pulp press in Kawerau.

It has also issued 122 prohibition and improvement notices, and 18 written warnings over the same six months.

The department's chief health and safety adviser, Dr Geraint Emrys says some injuries have been horrific.

He says employers need to be aware of the need to have their machines fully guarded so they're safe for use.

Dr Emrys says most accidents are in manufacturing, construction, food retailing, agriculture and forestry.

The project will run for three years.