Payment of $22k after teen blinded

A Kaikōura employer has been ordered to pay $22,500 after he failed to provide appropriate protection for a teenage worker who lost vision in one eye, and failed to report the accident.

Daniel Anderson’s response to WorkSafe on whether he told workers to use protective gear was: ‘‘I’m not their mother and going to dress them every morning.’’

A 17-year-old working for Anderson, an agricultural fencing sole trader, was chiselling when a piece of metal flew into his right eye in March 2020. He lost sight in his eye despite multiple surgeries.

An investigation was launched several months later when the teenager’s mum contacted WorkSafe after Anderson failed to do so – despite being a requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Anderson confirmed he had not provided full instructions on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, because ‘‘it was common sense’’, he said.

He also said his business was ‘‘too small’’ to be paying for PPE, which he felt was too expensive.

WorkSafe investigations national manager Hayden Mander said Anderson’s comments were outdated, unacceptable and cavalier.

It was ‘‘astounding’’ that he did not understand the severity of the situation, he said.

‘‘A young man at the start of his working life now has seriously impaired vision.’’

Mander said the cost of health and safety was part of doing business and the worker should have been provided appropriate PPE

and required to wear it.

Workers who were vulnerable because of age, inexperience or conditions of employment might be less likely to question health and safety practices or to speak up if they were unsure, WorkSafe said.

‘‘Beyond the obvious health and safety gaps in this case, it’s both illegal and morally wrong for an employer of any size to not notify WorkSafe of an incident like this,’’ Mander said.

‘‘No employer is exempt.’’ Anderson was sentenced at the Kaikōura District Court on Friday.

Judge Raoul Neave ordered him to pay $22,500 for emotional harm and consequential loss, as he did not have insurance and was unable to pay a fine.

‘‘A young man at the start of his working life now has seriously impaired vision.’’ Hayden Mander

WorkSafe investigations national manager