As a result of the incident, the worker sustained serious spinal damage
A worker has been awarded over $400,000 in reparations and consequential loss after being paralysed in a four-metre fall and will never walk again.
Strings Attached Limited was ordered to pay the victim following the incident in East Tamaki in November 2017 in a reserved decision. No fine was imposed due to the company’s financial position.
The company had been contracted to repair a leaking roof at a commercial building.
To allow access to the roof, Strings Attached Limited installed a ladder and access hatch. The hatch was not installed properly and while the worker was climbing the ladder he hit his head on the wooden frame of the hatch and fell.
Read more: https://www.hcamag.com/nz/news/general/this-is-the-easiest-way-to-make-your-staff-feel-safe/153736
WorkSafe’s Acting Chief Inspector Danielle Henry said that as a result of the incident, the worker sustained serious spinal damage.
“The incorrect hatch installation was the genesis of the incident. It was not inspected by an engineer prior to use, or deemed code compliant,” said Henry.
Read more: https://www.hcamag.com/au/specialisation/hr-technology/jobs-to-be-automated-how-safe-is-hr/139258
“The hatch was installed with good intention –but without correct installation to meet appropriate building codes it was not effective in keeping workers safe.
“WorkSafe is reminding businesses that working to installation guidelines, Approved Codes of Practice and building code requirements all contribute to safer work in the industry.”
