Topline Carpentry fined for workplace injuries
A Langwarrin carpentry business has copped a massive fine after an apprentice suffered serious injuries including a nail in the brain.
South East
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A Melbourne carpentry company has been slugged $130,000 after an apprentice suffered multiple injuries in a workplace accident, including having a nail shot into his head.
Topline Carpentry South East Pty Ltd fronted the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court and was found guilty of eight charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act after the 16-year-old was injured on two separate occasions in March 2021.
The first injury occurred when an experienced carpenter threw a reciprocating saw to the apprentice, who was unable to catch the tool safely.
The apprentice sustained a deep cut to his hand, which was bandaged onsite.
Hours later, the same apprentice and experienced colleague were working together to build a door frame.
Facing each other at opposite ends of the doorframe, both were using nail guns loaded with 75mm steel nails.
The senior worker fired his nail gun with the nail split the frame’s wooden top plate before hitting the apprentice in the head, penetrating his skull by 40mm and his brain by 20mm.
He was then rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where doctors surgically removed the nail. He remained in hospital for a week.
Both incidents went unreported by Topline to WorkSafe.
WorkSafe was only alerted by police to the second incident, and inspectors were then sent to the site to begin an investigation.
Before WorkSafe arrived, Topline had removed all tools, apart from one nail gun from the worksite.
Only during their investigations did WorkSafe inspectors become aware of the first incident involving the saw.
Topline was found guilty on a number of charges, including failing to report both incidents to WorkSafe, failing to preserve the scene following both incidents and failing to provide written reports to WorkSafe in relation to both incidents.
The company was also found guilty of not providing and maintaining a safe system of work for assembling a door frame, and of obstructing an investigation by intentionally concealing the location of existence of the nail guns from WorkSafe inspectors.
WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Narelle Beer said this was a horrific example that highlighted the vulnerability of young workers.
“I’m appalled at the conduct and actions of this employer towards a young, inexperienced worker who now has a permanent scar on his head and continues to experience discomfort,” she said.
“This prosecution sends a strong message to employers, colleagues and families that this type of treatment and behaviour is unacceptable.
“WorkSafe will not hesitate to investigate and hold accountable anyone who acts in such a vile manner.”
The colleague who threw the saw, causing the first injury, was fined $500 last month without conviction, and ordered to pay $1000 in costs after pleading guilty to failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of his colleague by throwing the saw in his direction without removing the blade.
gemma.scerri@news.com.au
