Two Hamilton companies have had to pay almost $400,000 after a workplace failing where a man's hands were seriously burnt by chemicals.
The man who suffered burnt hands needed to wear bandages for two months, the court was told. (file pic) Photo: 123RF
The two companies, Perry Metal Protection Limited and Total Access Limited, were fined in the Hamilton District Court and ordered to pay reparation after a WorkSafe prosecution.
In April 2018 Total Access set up scaffolding at Perry Metal Protection, a steel galvanising business, next to a tank of caustic soda.
Vapour rose from the uncovered tank and condensed, creating a residue that settled on the scaffolding.
When one man was dismantling the scaffolding, the chemicals on the metal badly burnt his hands which became swollen and had black marks on them.
As a result he spent two months with his hands in bandages.
Another worker also suffered burns to his right arm, neck and shoulder.
WorkSafe's head of specialist interventions Simon Humphries said in a statement that neither company had discussed the risks posed by the hazardous chemicals thoroughly.
"It is extremely disappointing that neither company had the foresight to consider the effects these chemicals may have on workers," Humphries said.
"Businesses must engage with one another to ensure all health and safety risks are recognised before work on any job takes place."
Total Access was fined $165,000 and ordered to pay reparation of $34,000. Perry Metal Protection was fined $227,500 and also ordered to pay reparation of $34,000.
The reparation payments will be split equally between the two workers.