Lakeside Packaging fined $100,000 for 457 visa injuries

Melbourne company, Lakeside Packaging, charged $100,000 over injuries suffered by two Chinese workers on 457 visas.

In 2006, 35-year-old employee, Guoping Cai's arm was crushed in an unguarded printing machine when he was clearing a paper blockage. In the same year, fellow worker, 52-year-old Zhi Hong Fu suffered two incidents at work, resulting in injuries to both of his hands.

In a court hearing on 2 July 2008 at Broadmeadows, Lakeside Packaging pleaded guilty to charges including: failure to provide safe systems of work, failure to provide training and supervision to enable employees to work safely, and failure to provide health and safety information to the workers in their first language, Mandarin.

Magistrate, Charlie Rozencwaig, said that the case should send a strong message for employers to ensure that foreign workers are trained in their own language.

WorkSafe's acting executive director, Stan Krpan, believes that all workers are legally entitled to a safe workplace, regardless of their employment of immigration status.

"These people are among the most vulnerable in the community," he said. "They may not understand Australia's safety requirements and be at a disadvantage because of their cultural background or circumstances of employment."

After the hearing, Fu told media that his injuries would have long-term effects on his health and family, who are no longer able to stay in Australia.

"The impact of the two accidents and injuries to both of my hands has been devastating," he said.

"Australia seemed a beautiful country."

A statement from WorkSafe Victoria claims that this is Australia's first prosecution in relation to people hurt while in Australia on visas.