Worksafe Prosecution Result - Frewstal Pty Ltd

Date of Outcome: 01/06/2015

Outcome: On 15 May 2015, Frewstal Pty Ltd pleaded guilty with respect to three charges arising out of breaches of the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 (‘the Act’). The charges related to a failure to ensure that persons other than employees of the employer were not exposed to risks to their health or safety arising from the conduct of the undertaking of the employer: section 23 of the Act. The incident occurred on 14 September 2013 at Frewstal's abattoir in Stawell.

The deceased had attended the abattoir to unload a delivery of stock. The deceased was using Frewstal’s gangway to move stock from his truck into the abattoir. The deceased stepped onto the abattoir to move the stock. The gangway he was standing suddenly collapsed. The deceased sustained fatal injuries in the collapse.

The plea was heard before her Honour Judge Cannon in the County Court of Victoria. On 1 June 2015, her Honour Judge Cannon sentenced Frewstal. Frewstal were convicted and fined $250,000.00.

Court: County Court

Fine: $250,000.00

Published: 04/06/2015

Category: Fatality

Appeal: No

Source: Worksafe Victoria Website