A company which operates a timber mill has been fined $45,000 over an incident in which a worker's hand was mutilated.   :(

The man was clearing sawdust from a cutting machine left partially on during maintenance when his right hand was pulled in by the blades, and four of his fingers were severed.   :(

Bluelead Corporation, trading as Whittakers Timber Products, was found guilty of failing to provide a safe workplace at the mill in Greenbushes and causing serious injury to a worker.

The acting Worksafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch says the case shows power supply lockout procedures are vital in workplaces with machinery.   ;)

Why did this worker not ensure that power was properly isolated before commencing work?

I think it would probably be a factor but the companies safety procedure probably allowed the accident to happen, overall I think a rather fair result.

Belgarion wrote on Mar 10^th, 2011 at 5:56pm:

Why did this worker not ensure that power was properly isolated before commencing work?

Because humans are apt to make mistakes.....and accidents will happen.