Media Release

01 May 2009

The Department of Labour is advising employers to ensure large loads are secure and evenly packed, following the case of a worker seriously injured by a falling load of glass who is still unable to work more a year later.

The warning comes after Metropolitan Glass and Glazing Ltd was fined $30,000 in the Auckland District Court following a March 2008 incident in which a stack of glass weighing 671kg fell onto a worker at its Mt Maunganui premises. The company had earlier pleaded guilty to one charge under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the worker was not exposed to the risk of injury

Department of Labour Waikato-Eastern Workplace Services Manger Ona De Rooy says the employee suffered a compound fracture to his left tibia, a fracture to his femur and lacerations to his right knee.

More than a year after the incident the worker is still off work, with no date set for his return.

Ms De Rooy says Judge Paul pointed out the incident could easily have been prevented. The glass was being transported on a trolley. While 671kg fell on the worker, the other side had just 308kg – creating an unbalanced load.

“That must have been obvious, as the injured worker and a fellow employee were steadying the load as it was being transported through the workplace.”

As the trolley was taken through a right-hand turn, the load tipped and fell onto the worker.
Ms De Rooy says the trolley in question was 17 years old. The glass was not properly secured, as the trolley lacked poles for this purpose. Thus, problems caused by an insecure load were magnified by its uneven distribution.

“Loads need to be properly secured and evenly distributed. Employers need to ensure their employees are properly trained in loading techniques and requirements. They should also ensure the equipment they use is safe and capable of performing the tasks asked of it.

“Taking health and safety seriously is not expensive. Ignoring it costs more in the long run. Those costs are borne by workers, their families, the communities in which they live in – as well as employers.”

Ms De Rooy says employers should regularly review their health and safety policies and ensure they are being complied with at all levels.

For further information call 0274 422 141 or e-mail media@dol.govt.nz.