Talley's Frozen Foods Ltd has been fined NZ110,000 (USD88,770) for failing to keep its employees safe.

The company was found guilty of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the employees were not exposed to carbon monoxide fumes when an LPG forklift was used inside its factory on 19 June 2006.

Talley's was found guilty on all 11 charges and was fined NZD10,000 (USD8,877) on each. It was also ordered to pay reparations of NZD3,000 (USD2,421) to each of the 11 victims.

According to the New Zealand Department of Labour, the fine is one of the highest ever imposed under the Health and Safety in Employment Act.
Andrew Annakin, deputy secretary of the Department of Labour, says the fines and reparations reflect the seriousness of the circumstances of the case.

"This case is a reminder of the dangers of using LPG forklifts which can produce potentially fatal carbon monoxide gases in confine spaces. The department welcomes the court's decision and encourages all employers to check the safety of their LPG forklift practice," he says.

Talley's personnel manager Greg Cox told Marlborough Express the fines were excessive. The company acknowledged the incident but denied responsibility saying workers had overlooked safety procedures prohibiting long-term, indoor use of the LPG forklift.