A Central Coast company has been fined $45,000 after two young workers were overcome by fumes.
Central Coast Metal Protectives Pty Ltd at Charmhaven was penalised in the Sydney District Court for failing to protect the health and safety of the two workers, aged 19 and 20, who were cleaning the inside of a landing pontoon.
The pontoon was part of a naval ship undergoing restoration.
The two young men were asked to climb inside and use thinners in a space that was about 12 cubic metres.
The workers had no specific training for working in confined spaces. They had no ventilation, and entered the pontoon with malfunctioning and inadequate protective equipment.
Both men were vomiting and disorientated when they were found and they were quickly taken to hospital.
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said both workers were lucky they made a full recovery, but it could have been far worse.
“They should never have been placed in such working conditions without fully functioning respirators, mechanical ventilation or a person nearby to raise the alarm,” Mr Kean said.
The full article by Cathy Stubbs can be read on The Central Coast Express
