Maria is a machine operator at Sharks Electronics. She works afternoon shift. Her job is to press out metal parts. The company operates a bonus system. She is paid extra on top of her wages according to how many parts she produces on shift.
On Tuesday 5th April, Maria started her shift as usual at 3.30. Jo, the day shift operator told her that the machine was running exceptionally well at times, but every now and again it jammed. Jo told Maria that the guard on the machine was loose so you can reach the jammed part and release it. Not long into the shift the machine did jam and Maria lifted the loose guard and tried to un- jam the machine; as she stretched to release the part the machine started up again and her hand got caught in the machine. Fortunately, Mitch the supervisor was able to quickly hit the emergency stop button, and Maria’s hand was released. He administered first aid.
An ambulance was called and Maria was taken to Emergency. She was kept in overnight
The word on the floor is that the machine is always playing up; the mechanic comes and fixes it, but it is usually down for at least one hour. Workers get fed up as they are losing bonus so they try to fix it themselves. The bonus was recently cut in half so operators have to work twice as hard to earn the same as they did last month.
Further details of Maria
Full Name: Maria Volpe
Works Number 336529
Occupation Machinist
Location of Incident: Shed D Manufacturing – Machine A Marrickville site
Injury: Crushed right hand – bruising and lacerations