Manhari International operates a scrap metal recycling business based in Tottenham, which WorkSafe inspectors visited in December 2020. They discovered 60 pallets of vehicle batteries (Class 8 dangerous goods) stored in a manner that posed risks of objects falling on them, potentially causing fires, explosions, or harm to people or property
There was no spill containment, and several batteries were loose on the floor. An inspection of the chemical register revealed that the batteries were not listed. Manhari then failed to promptly comply with subsequent improvement notices.
Later, in August 2021, a contractor was injured while operating an unguarded shredder at the workplace. The missing guard had been removed by the company. The contractor was trying to unjam the machine when his arm got caught, resulting in severe injuries. WorkSafe officers found safety guards missing from the machine that injured the worker, as well as another machine.
During sentencing, the court considered factors such as the level of risk, repeated breaches, compliance efforts, and remorse in determining the penalty. The company was fined a total of $90,000 for both incidents.
