Sawmill sentencing again shows need for machine guarding

WorkSafe New Zealand says businesses must regularly review machine safety systems and guarding arrangements after the sentencing of Pukepine Sawmills (1998) Limited over an incident that left a worker with life-changing injuries.

The company was sentenced in the Tauranga District Court after a worker's hand came into contact with a rotating edger drum while undertaking maintenance work in September 2022.

The worker suffered serious injuries, losing his middle finger and part of his ring finger, and narrowly avoided losing his thumb and index finger.

WorkSafe's investigation found the machine's guarding and safety controls did not adequately prevent access to hazardous moving parts while the equipment was slowing down. The edger drum could continue to rotate for approximately 15 minutes after power was switched off, creating a serious risk for workers carrying out maintenance activities.

“The key lesson from this case is that isolation of power alone is not always enough,” says WorkSafe regional manager Nigel Formosa.

“Businesses must identify all sources of hazardous energy, including momentum and run-down time in machinery, and ensure workers cannot access danger zones until equipment has come to a complete stop.”

The investigation highlighted the importance of reviewing machinery against current industry standards and best practice guidance, particularly where older equipment remains in operation.

“Effective machine guarding is one of the most reliable ways to prevent serious harm. Where workers need regular access for maintenance or servicing, businesses should consider engineering controls such as interlocked guards, guard-locking systems, or other measures that physically prevent access until machinery is safe.”

The Court convicted and sentenced Pukepine Sawmills, ordering it to pay: