The Industrial Court of NSW has handed Pacific Tissue Pty Ltd a $150,000 fine following legal action initiated by SafeWork NSW.

The case stemmed from a March 8, 2023 incident in which an employee suffered severe injuries while loading paper into equipment used for toilet roll production.

The employee’s left hand was caught between the machine’s rollers, resulting in crush injuries.

Pacific Tissue Pty Ltd entered a guilty plea to breaching section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) by not fulfilling its obligations under section 19(1) of the Act.

The complete judgment against Pacific Tissue is available on the NSW Caselaw website.

Pacific Tissue Pty Ltd retains the ability to challenge the sentence through appeal.

Employees with workplace health and safety concerns may anonymously reach SafeWork by calling 13 10 50 or via the Speak Up Save Lives app.

Business operators and staff can obtain various resources to assist with managing risks associated with working with plant, machinery and equipment.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer commented:

“Injuries occurring when operating unguarded machinery represent a recognized danger and an avoidable risk that we observe throughout our State and across every sector.

“SafeWork NSW emphasizes that all businesses must fulfill their responsibility to protect workers when they’re operating plant, machinery and equipment.”