A Timaru lumberyard and its sole director have been instructed to pay $450,000 following the tragic death of a worker.
Ethyn McTier’s family expressed their grief over the loss, stating that his absence has left an irreplaceable void in their lives.
The 23-year-old lost his life in a workplace accident at Point Lumber in Timaru on November 1, 2022.
Point Lumber and its director Sean David Sloper were sentenced in May at the Timaru District Court for failing to provide a duty of care to prevent the risk of death or injury.
The court considered fines exceeding $600,000 and emotional harm reparation of $140,000 to McTier’s family, but due to the company’s financial losses, a final sentence was delayed.
Subsequently, Point Lumber was fined $250,000, Sloper $60,000, and $140,000 was ordered to be paid to McTier’s family.
This incident was not the first at Point Lumber, as the company was previously fined in 2020 for the death of a three-year-old at the lumberyard.
McTier’s tragic death was a result of a workplace accident where he became trapped and crushed in a conveyor belt drive roller.
WorkSafe’s investigation revealed several safety deficiencies at the site, including missing guarding along the conveyor belt and a lack of a risk assessment.
Despite safety recommendations made in 2017, the company did not take appropriate action to safeguard the conveyor belt.
McTier’s family expressed relief over the sentencing but emphasized the preventable nature of his death and the impact it has had on their lives.
In emotional victim impact statements, McTier’s family described the profound effect his loss had on them, highlighting the ongoing pain and suffering they endure.
Outside the court, Sloper provided a statement emphasizing the importance of proper safety systems and regular audits to prevent such tragedies.
WorkSafe echoed the sentiment, calling for improved safety measures in the manufacturing sector following this and similar incidents.
Engage Experts to Ensure Machinery Safety in Manufacturing Sector
WorkSafe recently conducted 304 assessments in the manufacturing sector, with improvement notices issued in 67 percent of cases. This highlights the ongoing need for industry progress in ensuring machinery safety, according to Handforth.
During a hearing in May, Judge Dravitzki expressed sympathy for McTier’s family and acknowledged the pain they are experiencing. The judge thanked the family for sharing their victim impact statements, which helped provide insight into the loss of Ethyn and the impact on their lives.
“If necessary, engage a qualified expert to ensure your machinery is adequately guarded to avoid inflicting further tragedy on other families.”
