Replacement Parts - Keep them safe

A NZ company was recently fined $55,000 and ordered to pay reparation of $50,000 after a worker was seriously injured.

Read the full details: http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/news/releases/2014/keep-it-safe-when-sourcing-replacement-parts

Essentially, the message is that the piece of machinery was bought second-hand and was missing a steel lid which was manufactured and installed by a company employee. Workplace NZ said that the new lid should have been designed and installed to the manufacturer's specifications. The replacement and the latches used to secure it were substandard and contributed to the serious injuries suffered by the victim. Machinery owners need to ensure that appropriately qualified engineers are involved in the maintenance, repair and modification of plant.  "It's not good enough to just whip something up and hope it will do the job.," said Workplace NZ chief investigator Keith Stewart. The company also failed to implement a safe operating procedure and its hazard identification process and staff training were also found wanting."

 


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