Fine Levied in Fatal Electrocution
28 June, 2007
The Industrial Court of NSW levied a $220,000 fine in the case of the Berkeley boiler maker who was electrocuted in October 2004 while welding in damp clothes and without an insulating mat on a steel grill platform.
A newspaper account reports that, although a risk assessment was conducted before starting the job, it was found that the company/employer failed to ensure adequate risk assessment in relation to the work being undertaken associated with dampness stemming from both rain and perspiration.
While the maximum fine for that offence is $825,000 the Justice Staff took into account "the defendant's impressive and in many ways exceptional commitment to occupational health and safety".