$10,000 Fine After Man Hit On Head By Crane

Company Fined $10,000 After Man Hit On Head By Crane

A Waikato company has been sentenced to pay $10,000 after a member of the public was hit on the head by a crane.

The Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH) prosecuted Smithbridge New Zealand Ltd after an incident last year.

"The company were dismantling a bridge when the fly jib of the crane fell and its wire rope struck a man as he walked across the railway," said Kevin Webby, OSH Service Manager, Waikato.

The man sustained lacerations to his head, concussion and a broken collarbone. $8000 of the fine was awarded to the victim.

The company pleaded guilty yesterday to a breach of the Health and Safety in Employment Act.

"This prosecution has highlighted that workplace safety can involve people who are not actually working," said Mr Webby.

"Health and safety in the workplace includes keeping yourself safe and ensuring the safety of others, even those in the vicinity of the immediate workplace.

"One of the things the company should have done was construct a safety zone around the area.

"No barriers or signage had been erected around the lifting area, vehicles were not stopped from travelling and pedestrians were not stopped from entering the area.

"Employers must take a systematic approach to identifying workplace hazards and put systems in place to protect workers and others. These systems need to be constantly reviewed and updated."

Ends

© Scoop Media