WorkSafe says it has now accepted 11 enforceable undertakings under section 123 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

It says this is a tool that is increasingly being used, in appropriate cases, as a positive alternative to prosecution.

The latest enforceable undertaking has been given by fibreboard manufacturer Dongwha New Zealand Ltd. It follows an incident in December 2016 where a worker's arm was drawn into a piece of machinery.

The worker was using a piece of machinery that lays out wood fibres to be turned into fibreboard. While cleaning the machine the worker lost his balance and put his left hand into a nip point. His arm was drawn into the machine up to his shoulder, leaving him with three fractures to his arm.

The fractures required surgery and seven days hospitalisation, and the worker was off work for 14 weeks.

“This enforceable undertaking has very clear benefits within the business, the wider industry and Dongwha’s local community," WorkSafe Chief Operating Officer Phil Parkes says.

"Dongwha took the process very seriously and showed genuine intent in its proposed initiatives. Their willingness to engage effectively with the victim of the accident and their workers will also help this enforceable undertaking achieve its forecasted benefits.”

The enforceable undertaking and the reasons for its acceptance are available here.