Company Fined $3 Million for the Death of Employee

Following the recent death of a 58-year-old worker, The Queensland District Court has found a company guilty of industrial manslaughter in the case of R v Brisbane Auto Recycling Pty Ltd & Odds (2020) QDC 113. As a result, the company has been fined $3 million as well as 10-month imprisonment for each of the two company directors who were convicted of reckless conduct under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Two forklifts were being used to rotate car bodies in the main delivery area of the workplace while another worker was working closely next to a different vehicle. As one of the forklifts reversed to allow the other through, the employee was struck and crushed against the tray of the vehicle. The series of injuries sustained were fatal. The employee driving the forklift was also charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death. 

After inspection of the workplace, prosecutors found that there was a significant lack of safety systems in place in the company’s workplace. The forklift driver was not properly licensed, there was inadequate supervision of work and there was a general failure in the directors’ attitude to safety. 

It is paramount that employers ensure there is an appropriate safety system implemented into their workplace, in conjunction with a good attitude to health and safety across all employees. This case highlights that there are serious consequences for incorrect safety supervision and a lack of safety measures. 

For more information about the implementation of work health and safety systems in your workplace, contact Safe Industries Australia.