Charges laid after worker fatally crushed by articulated front-end loader
A recycling centre is facing charges after an articulated front-end loader reversed into a 26-year-old worker sorting recycled goods, causing fatal crush injuries. The incident occurred in July 2024, with the articulated front-end loader having been operated by a colleague of the struck worker.
For failing to provide and maintain, so far as reasonably practicable, a working environment that was safe and without risks to health, the company is facing six charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
It is alleged by WorkSafe Victoria that the company breached section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act three times by failing to implement an appropriate traffic management system; failing to install a reversing camera on the plant; and failing to repair the plant’s reversing alarm, rear view mirror, or two cabin windows that obscured the operator’s view.
By failing to ensure the plant operator and the worker were adequately supervised, and failing to ensure the worker received appropriate information, instruction or training on the risks of working near powered mobile plant, it is also alleged the company thrice breached section 21(2)(e) of the OHS Act.
The matter is listed for a filing hearing on 10 June 2026 in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.
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