NZ company fails to protect workers from machine danger, fined
A worker lost half his body in a New Zealand incident involving a faulty machine

WorkSafe NZ has fined two companies over dangerous work practices. Baker Boys and Pye Electrical were found to have failed to implement proper safety measures for their machinery.

Baker Boys was ordered to pay \$35000 after an employee suffered serious injuries while clearing a machine fault. The incident occurred when the company's machine safety guards were not properly installed, allowing the worker to be struck by sparks.

Pye Electrical was fined \$30000 for failing to fix a faulty control panel on its machinery, which contributed to the accident. Both companies have been ordered to compensate the injured worker for medical costs and lost wages.

Baker Boys admitted to not having a proper risk assessment process in place and not checking machine safety guards regularly. Pye Electrical was found to have significant gaps in its work processes.

Darrell Handforth, WorkSafe NZ's regional manager, said: "This kind of mistake is tragic and puts workers at great risk. It shows companies aren't taking their responsibility for worker safety seriously enough."

The incident serves as a stark reminder that New Zealand businesses must take machine safety seriously to avoid similar tragedies in the future.