Sullivan Packaging Limited
Court Summary - at a glance
Date of offence:
30 September 2015
Plea:
Guilty
Decision:
Convicted on two charges
Final decision date:
Fine imposed:
$52,000 ($26,000 for each charge)
Safety lessons learned:
In relation to the S15 machine:
- Establish procedures to ensure machines are de-energised and locked out prior to maintenance, cleaning or repairs being undertaken;
- Provide locks, tags, chocks or other isolation devices to enable de-energised energy sources to be visibly locked;
- Train employees in the use of this procedure and ensure that the procedure is followed; and
- Implement a system to ensure an effective method for systematically identifying new and existing hazards and regularly assessing known hazards.
In relation to the Illig machines:
- Ensure that machines have functioning interlocking guards to prevent access to moving parts during normal production operation;
- Ensure that an effective system is implemented for checking interlocking guards on machines; and
- Implement a system to ensure an effective method for systematically identifying new and existing hazards and regularly assessing known hazards.
Defendant name:
Sullivan Packaging Limited
Industry:
Manufacturing
Date of offence:
30 September 2015
Facts in brief:
The Defendant company manufactures plastic food containers and other plastic products used in the food industry.
An employee became trapped under the platen of the S15 two station vacuum forming machine while carrying out a maintenance task. The S15 machine had not been effectively locked out to prevent movement of parts of the machine, including inadvertent movement.
Two other machines, the RDKP 54C Illig and RDKP 54D Illig were found to have defeated interlocks on the doors which had the potential to expose the unguarded moving parts of the machines.
An employee became trapped under the platen of the S15 two station vacuum forming machine while carrying out a maintenance task. The S15 machine had not been effectively locked out to prevent movement of parts of the machine, including inadvertent movement.
Two other machines, the RDKP 54C Illig and RDKP 54D Illig were found to have defeated interlocks on the doors which had the potential to expose the unguarded moving parts of the machines.
Offence section:
Sections 6 and 50(1)(a) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (x3)
Date charged:
Court:
Christchurch - District Court
Plea:
Guilty
Final decision date:
Decision:
Convicted on two charges
Fine imposed:
$52,000 ($26,000 for each charge)
Maximum fine available:
$250,000
Reparation:
$20,000
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