KEY POINTS:
A $10,000 fine given to a waste company after a horrific accident involving a worker may be appealed for being too low.
The fine was handed down to Manawatu Waste yesterday in the New Plymouth District Court.
Chris Fromont lost part of his legs and an arm when he was caught in a tree shredder, the court was told.
The machine was known to be dangerous, and before the accident a safety inspector told the company to put a guard on its blades. That was not done.
Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said the Labour Department was considering appealing against the fine, which was considered low compared to the $250,000 maximum available.
Mr Wilson said the CTU considered the fine minuscule compared to the offence and damage and would support such an appeal.
"It will inevitably contribute to more serious incidents and injuries and death. The court must accept that that is what they are contributing to when Parliament has acted decisively in putting the maximum fine levels where they are."
He said the company had disregarded a risk and the consequences were huge.
"As the Labour Department official has commented, the shredder machine was a disaster waiting to happen."
Mr Fromont, who received $30,000 reparation, said the $10,000 was hardly a disincentive for Manawatu Waste, which was co-owned by national companies EnviroWaste and Fulton Hogan.
Mr Wilson said the fine should reflect the seriousness of the crime regardless of how big or small the company was.
The Labour Department has 28 days to appeal.
- NZPA
