CHH took its responsibilities under the Health and Safety in Employment Act seriously as it employed 5500 staff across the country who were engaged in tough, physical and dangerous work, he submitted.
Mr Nicholson said there had been a 43 per cent reduction in injuries at the LVL plant at Marsden Pt over five years.
Judge Maude said an investigation by the then Department of Labour revealed there was limited visibility in parts of the general log yard area of the plant.
The machinery Mr Aramoana was operating did not have radio telephone communication, he said. The judge said an independent inquiry ordered by CHH after the accident found that he failed to keep to the left when approaching a ramp.
Mr Aramoana, 50, was hospitalised for 32 days and suffered lower back pain, infection to his leg stump and emotional trauma, Judge Maude said.
He was a keen golfer and diver but now tired quickly, was unable to perform 80 per cent of tasks at home and his relationship with his 10 children had been adversely affected.
Judge Maude said CHH had 30 previous convictions for workplace accidents and its failure to install a radio telephone in the machinery Mr Aramoana operated appeared to be an oversight.
The firm submitted that the appropriate amount of reparation was $30,000, while the department said $50,000 should be paid.
