The Case

WorkSafe Victoria v Rapid Perforating Pty Ltd (2023)

Rapid Perforating Pty Ltd is in the business of producing metal grating and handrail products.

On 19 February 2021, an employee suffered fatal injuries while operating a turret punch machine. At the front of the machine was a dangerous trapping space between two auxiliary tables fixed into the ground and the travelling mechanical carriage. If a worker accessed the trapping space when the machine was operating, they were exposed to serious risk of injury or death caused by crushing or entanglement. The employee became pinned down in the trapping space and died due to severe crushing injuries.