Tuesday 07 October 2008
Fines after six workers splashed with molten metal
STEEL galvanising company
Korvest has been convicted and fined after two 2006 incidents in which its employees were burned by 450 degree molten metal.
The Adelaide-based firm pleaded guilty to three charges of breaching the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act 1986. It was found to have failed to maintain a safe work environment, and also failing to report the incidents as required by law.
In February and September 2006, a jig used to dip metal parts in hot galvanising solution was immersed too far. The pockets of air and moisture on the jig frame expanded on contact with the hot liquid metal, splashing nearby workers.
Two workers were injured in the first incident, and four were burned in the second. These workers suffered severe facial and upper body burns, and the inadequate protection equipment made their injuries worse.
Investigations by
SafeWork SA found there were also inadequate emergency response facilities, and deficiencies in the procedures and operations.
The work safety authority did not find out about the earlier incident until it was notified about the September accident.
The steel galvaniser is now under new management, with improved safety culture and safety systems. The company was fined a total of $73,000.
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