A timber worker who had two fingers cut off his right hand said he is learning anew how to play the guitar and trumpet.
Major manufacturer Claymark has agreed to undertake $481,000 worth of safety measures after a worker got hurt at a machine that lacked a guard two years ago.
This is through an enforceable undertaking agreement with WorkSafe that is an alternative to prosecution.
The unnamed worker, 51, said he had three surgeries and remained hopeful about getting prosthetic fingers in future.
“Everyday tasks I once took for granted like writing, showering, even holding objects, now require patience and adaptation,” he was quoted in a Worksafe statement on Monday.
“Music, which has always been a passion of mine, has become a bittersweet pursuit; playing the guitar and trumpet now demands creativity and resilience as I relearn techniques with my altered hand.”
He appreciated Claymark’s commitment to improving safety at work, and felt fortunate to still be part of the team there.
Claymark had also had an ineffective system for maintenance, and training and supervision of workers fell short, WorkSafe found.
Claymark executive director Paul Pedersen said in a statement they looked forward through the enforceable undertaking, to drive “meaningful, people-focused change” at the company and across the wood manufacturing sector.
Manufacturing is the leading sector for death and serious injury among New Zealand workers.
However, laws and regulations around factory plant and machinery have not been tightened despite the government beginning making moves towards that years ago.
rnz.co.nz