The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has been fined $30,000 after eight workers were burnt while disinfecting a farm during the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
In 2017, the ministry contracted biosecurity company AsureQuality to assist in managing the outbreak.
They engaged OneStaff to provide temporary cleaning workers.
In May 2018, a group of cleaners on a farm in Invercargill suffered chemical burns when the sodium hydroxide-based cleaner seeped into the cuffs of their gloves.
The cleaning product had been approved in April by MPI.
Last November, AsureQuality were fined $66,000 while OneStaff were fined $38,500.
Reparation of $5000 was ordered to be split between five of the workers who suffered burns, with all three parties paying a third each.
The ministry was sentenced in Invercargill District Court today.
A disinfection point sign on a farm under restricted movement notice due to Mycoplasma Bovis (File image). Photo: RNZ Maja Burry
A WorkSafe investigation found MPI failed to adequately consult, co-operate and co-ordinate with those involved to ensure work was being carried out safely.
WorkSafe investigation manager for the South Island Steve Kelly said it was unclear which organisation was ensuring various risks were being managed.
"As the organisation tasked with managing the eradication of Mycoplasma bovis it is fair to have expected them to ensure cleaning and disinfecting work was carried out safely.
"When multiple businesses and organisations are involved in carrying out work it is vital they communicate with one another to ensure risk has been identified and is being correctly managed."