Late last year we noted that the first sentencing under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 was about to be released. The decision in WorkSafe New Zealand v Budget Plastics (New Zealand) Ltd [2017] NZDC 17395 saw the court impose hefty penalties for breaches of the new health and safety legislation.

The case involved an employee who had his hand amputated after it was caught in a plastic extrusion machine. Budget Plastics was found to have failed to comply with a number of industry standards and guidelines. Recommendations made from an earlier health and safety audit had not all been implemented. The case was not considered so serious that the company should be fined so heavily it could have been put out of business (although in some cases that may be appropriate). The court imposed a fine of $100,000, reparation of $37,500 and costs of $1,000.

If you haven't yet reviewed your health and safety compliance since the new regime came into force on 4 April 2016, we recommend you do this immediately. It's essential for your farming operation and all who work on it.