Vic company fined after worker 'degloved'

A Victorian business has been hit with almost $30,000 in fines and legal costs after a worker's right hand was skinned by a machine.

The man was working with a machine that printed on, glued, cut and folded cardboard boxes alongside a manager at packing and supply business JT Dixon Pty Ltd in early February.

The machine required three people to operate it and could run through 100 boxes in a minute.

Both men climbed onto the machine while it was running to investigate an issue with the print quality on the boxes.

After the manager climbed off the machine to speak with a colleague, the worker reached down to touch the ink to see whether it was wet or dry.

His right hand became caught in rollers and was degloved as he pulled it free.

The worker also lost his little finger and the top of his middle finger.

JT Dixon pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates' Court and was fined on Wednesday for failing to provide a safe workplace and plant, WorkSafe Victoria said in a statement on Friday.