Scrap yard fined $80,000 for safety violations after death of worker

SYDNEY (Scrap Monster): A scrap yard on Short Street near Picton in Western Australia has been fined $80,000 for violation of safety practices which led to the death of a worker. J&P Metals was ordered by the Bunbury Magistrates Court to pay the hefty fine. The incident took place in 2011, when a Chinese worker was crushed to death by an excavator bucket.

The worker is reported to have no prior experience in oxy-cutting. The company had provided an induction and few hours of formal training. After being supervised for a few months, he was asked to carry out oxy-cutting of large bucket above head height. While cutting, the upper part of the bucket weighing around 800 kilograms broke away and fell on him.

The Court described the incident as very much disappointing. The death of the worker was a clear case of failure to enforce safe work procedures, the court said. It also added that all workplaces employing foreign nationals must ensure that training and procedures are communicated in a language clearly understood by them. The lack of adequate training and supervision led to the tragic death of the person.

However the employer stated that safety procedures at the site were thoroughly reviewed following the accident. An additional supervisor has also been employed.

J&P Metals established as a scrap metal dealer in 1966. Later the company diversified into several business including bin hire and disposal service, new and used plant and machinery sales, sale of industrial sheds, conveyor systems and plate, and deconstruction activities to name a few.