File image. Photo: Google Maps
A multi-national forestry company has been sentenced in court after a worker's arm got caught in a bark-stripping machine that did not have appropriate safeguards for use in New Zealand.
CFGC Forest Managers (NZ) Limited (CFGC) is a forest management and export company. Its parent company, China Forestry Group New Zealand Company Limited, exports logs from New Zealand to China.
The worker was troubleshooting on the debarking machine when its rollers closed and trapped his wrist.
He required surgery and plates put in for a broken arm and a dislocated wrist.
WorkSafe opened an investigation into the June 2021 incident at Northport, which found significant safety modifications were made before it was put into use.
The company did not ensure it met safeguarding standards, nor did it bring in a qualified expert to asses the machine before it was used.
"It is vital that any business bringing new machinery into the country does its due diligence to bring the equipment into line with New Zealand safety standards. Get the right experts and advice to ensure none of your workers are exposed to the type of danger seen in this incident," WorkSafe area investigation manager Danielle Henry said.
"About 80 percent of acute work-related injuries involve machinery and equipment. Protecting people from machines is a priority for WorkSafe, and we are increasing our focus and enforcement activity in this area."
CFGC Forest Managers Limited was sentenced at Whangārei District Court and fined $180,000 as well as reparations of $10,000.