INCO Ships has pleaded guilty to failing to take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of an employee, after a 2007 incident which saw a worker lose his arm.
In 2007, Terry Cavanough was hit by a cable on board the ANL Bass Trader. As a result of his injuries, his left arm had to be amputated at the shoulder.
The Hobart Magistrates Court heard the company first became aware of the dangers of the task, when the first attempt to replace the cable at Bell Bay resulted in the cable dropping, narrowly missing an employee.
Inco Ships conducted a safety investigation led by the chief engineer and staff. The safety investigation concluded the staff needed better communication with the crane driver to prevent a similar incident.
The second attempt resulted in the injury and subsequent amputation of Cavanough.
According to prosecutors, the hazard assessment undertaken by Inco Ships employees had not identified the true risks of the situation. While the company pleaded guilty, it stressed its safety record, and highlighted the fact that it relied upon contracted staff for the operation.
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