Victorian feedlot operator fined after electric shock death

A Victorian company was sentenced after a worker was fatally electrocuted while operating a telehandler three years ago.

The Wimmera based feedlot operator was fined $140,000 and ordered to pay costs after recently pleading guilty to two counts under the Victorian OHS Act in the Horsham Magistrates' Court.

In November 2020, the 29-year-old man was stacking hay bales when the telehandler he was using contacted overhead powerlines. He suffered a fatal electric shock as a result of the incident.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said the company was aware of the control measures available to protect workers from electric shock.

"This case is a heartbreaking reminder of what can happen when the risks of operating machinery near power lines are not safely managed," Dr Beer said.

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