23 Jul 2010

Labour Departments warns employers over hazards

3:04 pm on 23 July 2010

Employers have been warned to look out for workplace hazards after an Auckland court handed down a hefty fine to a company.

On Thursday, Auckland District Court ordered Transfield Services Limited to pay a $39,000 fine, and reparation of $10,000, for failing to take all practicable steps to ensure its employees were not exposed to hazards.

Last year, a Transfield Services employee was seriously injured when he mistakenly cut an 11,000-volt cable, causing an electrical explosion.

The Department of Labour says the accident could have been avoided had the company identified the hazards, and made sure its employee was wearing protective gear.