A Queensland company and its director are facing charges for the death of a worker in November 2015.The employee was allegedly using a heat gun near where a tanker containing unleaded petrol and water was being unloaded. The man became engulfed in flames.
The investigation unearthed issues relating to systems for testing and detection of substances on receipt, lack of any hot work permit system, adequacy of worker training and isolation of hot work from flammable substances.
The charges include reckless conduct, with the director facing a maximum five year imprisonment or $600,000 fine. The company is facing fines of up to $3m.
Under new industrial manslaughter laws which were recently passed by the State Government, negligent employers found culpable in workplace fatalities face severe penalties including 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10million. Find out more http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/10/company-director-queensland-charged-workers-death/#.WgW9R4i1vIV
