Charges following farm machinery death

The 47-year-old female worker suffered fatal injuries after accessing the danger area of the machine while repairing or replacing a roll of plastic film.

The 66-year-old farm operator faces a total of four charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including two charges under section 24(1) for failing to ensure that persons were not exposed to health and safety risks by the conduct of his undertaking; and two charges under section 26(1) for failing to ensure that a workplace under his management or control was safe and without risks to health.

WorkSafe alleges the man failed to reduce the risk of injury or death by failing to ensure the machine's interlocked physical barrier, which prevented access to the danger area during operation, was not disabled; or failing to engage a suitably qualified person to ensure the interlock sensor functioned as intended.

It is further alleged he failed to take measures to ensure the plant was isolated before the worker undertook the task.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on 17 June 2026.