Fine for work death 'inadequate'

A $200,000 fine handed out yesterday to a distribution company after the death of a young employee was "inadequate", according to Victoria's workplace safety watchdog.

WorkSafe said it would write to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Paul Coghlan, QC, urging him to appeal the penalty in the County Court.

Star Track Express had pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment for its employees following the death of Brett Flannery.

He was seriously injured after the forklift he was driving, without a seatbelt, tipped over when its mast hit a beam at Star Track Express' Tullamarine depot on September 15, 2005. Mr Flannery died in hospital 10 months later, aged 29.

"Everyone knew that, in theory, the seat belt was vital to survival if the machine rolled over," Judge Michael Kelly said.

"But until the actual happening of the dreadful event, the inconvenience of taking it on and off was allowed to dominate the workplace practice."

Source: The Age

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