The Case

WorkSafe Queensland v Toowoomba Firewood Pty Ltd (2024)

On 9 July 2022, a worker undertaking a work trial with a Queensland wood company was tasked with using a log-cutting machine. The log-cutting machine posed a significant risk of injury if the operator’s hands were placed incorrectly.

The worker was not adequately instructed in the use of the machine. The supervisor had only given verbal instructions without a demonstration of how to hold the log correctly. As a result, the young worker held the log incorrectly and was severely injured, suffering fractures and lacerations to three fingers. He ultimately required amputation of his index finger, and sustained a loss of function and feeling to his middle and ring fingers.