A Hunter Valley metal fabrication business was been fined $240,000, after a 15-year-old work experience student was left blind in both eyes, after welding without eye protection.
The Court of Criminal Appeal imposed the fine against Tho Services for breaching a section of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
The breach relates to an incident in March 2013 when the Year-10 work experience student spend part of the day welding without the eye protection visor of the manual welding helmet pulled down.
He later complained of blurred vision at the end of the day and was later diagnosed with permanent loss of vision to both eyes, as a result of flash burn.
An investigation by SafeWork NSW found that the student was given no information or instruction on how to wear or use a manual welding helmet.
Executive Director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision which ensures the business is held to account for the permanent and devastating injuries to the young and vulnerable worker.
“(It) sends a strong message to the entire business community of the need to provide young, vulnerable workers with appropriate induction and safety training so that tragic incidents like this are not repeated.”
