A 16 year old worker's crushed hand, which could have been prevented, has landed a Victorian firm over $70,000 in fines.
Dandenong based A Bending Company had its fine raised last week to $70,000 by a County Court after the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed a Magistrates Courts earlier $25,000 fine.
""The fact that the Director of Public Prosecutions found the original penalty inadequate, and the increase in the fine on appeal, demonstrates the courts' attitude towards health and safety offences," said WorkSafe Victoria's acting executive director, Stan Krpan.
The young worker had to have the first joint on several fingers surgically removed after the accident. WorkSafe Victoria said the company had been issued a prior notice over the press's inadequate guarding. Guarding had been installed, but was later removed.