Plastic Bottle Maker Charged After Finger Amputation

Plastic Bottle Maker Charged After Finger Amputation

Published 14 November 2025 – source: WorkSafe Victoria
(worksafe.vic.gov.au)

What happened

A 48-year-old worker was clearing a jam from an industrial plastic granulator at a factory in Laverton North when his right index finger made contact with the machine and was amputated.

The employer, A & J Australia Pty Ltd, has been formally charged under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to provide or maintain a safe working environment.

It’s alleged the company breached section 21(2)(a) by failing to ensure the plant was safe and without health risk, and likewise breached regulation 97 of the OHS Regulations by failing to identify hazards linked with the installation, commissioning and use of the plant.
The matter is listed for committal mention at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 6 January 2026.

Why this matters

This incident underlines that even when dealing with routine tasks—such as clearing jams—there must be robust hazard identification, safe work methods, and proper guarding of machinery.
When duty-holders don’t keep up with these basics the consequences can be severe.

Key safety take-aways

• Before any maintenance or jam-clearing work near machinery, ensure that lock-out/tag-out (isolation) procedures are fully in place.
• Identify hazards associated with plant during installation and commissioning—not just during normal operation.
• Ensure plant guarding and other safety devices are fit-for-purpose and maintained.
• Train workers in safe systems of work that cover foreseeable hazards such as jamming, machine movement and access to live areas.
• Duty-holders must proactively assess risk and then implement control measures rather than waiting for an incident.

TL;DR

• A worker’s finger was amputated after contact with an industrial granulator in Laverton North; employer charged (14 Nov 2025) (WorkSafe Victoria)
• Company charged under OHS Act and Regulations for failing to provide safe plant and identify hazards.
• The case highlights the need for isolation, hazard ID and guarding even in seemingly normal tasks.