Man jailed over nail-gun shooting
A Melbourne roof tiler who shot an apprentice with a nail gun, causing him to lose sight in one eye, has been jailed for four months.
Joshua Bamford, 21, fired several nails at the apprentice from up to 20 metres away while working at a new housing estate in Melbourne's west in May 2009.
Bamford, of Rowsley, pleaded guilty today to reckless endangerment under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Over the past decade, nail guns have caused 1190 injuries that have led to workers' compensation claims, according to WorkSafe.
WorkSafe general manager for operations Lisa Sturzenegger warned against using nail guns improperly in the workplace.
"They are powerful and can help get work done more quickly, but the consequences if they are not used correctly can be extremely serious," she said.
Ms Sturzenegger said employers and supervisors had clear responsibilities to ensure equipment was well maintained and people using them were trained and aware of what could happen if they were misused.
"Workers have very clear responsibilities to work in a safe way, not put others at risk while co-workers, particularly more experienced people, need to speak up if inappropriate behaviour is going on," she said.
"If that is done, incidents from which there is no turning back will not happen."
People found guilty of the charge of reckless endangerment face up to five years' jail, a fine of $219,852 or both.
Last changed: Feb 02 2012 at 2:35 PM
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