Food manufacturer Heinz Wattie’s Limited appeared in the Hastings District Court today after a boiling solution burned a kitchen worker’s lower legs.

In May 2017, a vat used to manufacture brine solution for use in various food products at the company’s Hastings factory boiled over. While attempting to turn the machine off at a wall switch near the vat, boiling brine overflowed from the vat and entered a worker’s gumboots, causing severe burns.

Heinz Wattie’s was aware that the vats were likely to boil over if left unattended. It was also aware that this was capable of causing serious injury to workers, however Heinz Wattie’s failed to ensure the health and safety of its workers.

A WorkSafe investigation found these vats had boiled over on numerous occasions in the past, resulting in burns to another worker on one occasion.

The investigation also found the liquid entered the worker’s boots because the worker was not provided with adequate personal protective equipment, and the worker had not been given proper supervision or training.

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