Portland Rusty Scrap Metal has been sentenced over an amputation that occurred in a January 2022 incident in Heywood.
A new employee was sent to collect a scrap car on his first day of employment. Trying to lift the car with a forklift caused the forklift to get stuck on the truck's ramps. Attempts to free it failed, leading to the forklift rolling back, injuring a customer who may have used a car jack to raise it.
The customer’s right leg was severed across the thigh, while he also suffered nerve damage in his left leg and lower back.
The company was subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of breaching our OHS Act 2004 by failing to ensure persons other than its employees were not exposed to health and safety risks, and was fined $95,000, plus $3,028 in costs.
Investigations revealed the company lacked safety procedures for forklifts and traffic management, which could have prevented the horrific incident.
Developing a traffic management plan, including prohibiting powered mobile plant use where possible and implementing safety measures, was deemed reasonably practicable to reduce risks.
