VIC company fined $1.3 million under workplace manslaughter laws

A worker's fatal crushing at a Somerton factory has led to the first conviction under Victoria's workplace manslaughter laws.

The 25-year-old employee was crushed to death by a forklift in October 2021.

The stone masonry business responsible for the incident recently faced sentencing in the Victorian Supreme Court.

The company admitted guilt to engaging in reckless behaviour that led to the death of the employee and was ordered to pay a fine of $1.3 million by the court.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said the fatal incident could have been prevented, highlighting the importance of workplace safety.

"There is no such thing as unavoidable workplace harm and the impact that a loss of life has on family, friends and colleagues can never be understated," Dr Beer said.

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