Prosecution Details

Being an employer, failed to provide and maintain a system of work such that, so far as was practicable, its employee was not exposed to hazards.

On 25 July 1996 the work practice adopted caused the injury to an employee who was lifting a plate compactor on and off the back of a truck. This task occurred on a continual basis. The compactor weighted approximately 80kg and needed to be raised and lowered to a height of about 1.25 metres. This procedure was carried out by two persons. From December 1992 there have been at least five others injured due to the lifting of these compactors. It was not until after the incident on 25 July 1996 that appropriate action was taken and a lifting device fitted to trucks that transport these compactors.