A timber company must pay almost NZ$90,000 in fines and reparation after a worker had the tip of a thumb and the fingers on his right hand sliced through by a saw. Source: Radio New Zealand
New Zealand Timber was sentenced in the Hamilton District Court for failing to take all practicable steps to ensure an employee was safe.
A WorkSafe spokesperson said late in 2013, the worker was operating the saw when sawdust flicked off the blade into his eye.
While wiping his eye, he put his hand on the saw bed.
As he leant forward he accidentally hit an activation switch, causing the saw blade to rise and cut through his fingers and thumb.
New Zealand Timber was fined NZ$51,000 and ordered to pay reparation of NZ$38,000.
