A Riverland-based manufacturing company was recently fined a record $840,000 after the 2021 death of an apprentice caused by a falling stainless steel tank.
SafeWork SA’s investigation revealed significant failures, including poor maintenance of a gantry crane whose damaged cable had failed twice prior to the fatal incident. Despite warnings, the company did not address the safety risks adequately, and unsafe practices, such as workers moving under suspended tanks, had become the norm.
The Court found the business guilty of a Category 1 offence under Work Health and Safety legislation, marking the first such conviction in South Australia. The court also fined the a manager at the business $12,000 for a Category 2 offence, citing his failure to address unsafe practices or investigate recurring cable damage.
This judgment highlights the serious consequences that can face businesses that disregard worker safety and have a culture of complacency. South Australian businesses that are grossly negligent in their WHS duties, in circumstances where an employee dies, now also face the possibility of significant prison sentences under industrial manslaughter laws. MTA encourages all members unsure of their WHS responsibilities, or seeking further training in this area, to contact our Workplace Relations team on (08) 8291 2000 or wr@mtasant.com.au.
