Company faces fines of up to $10MILLION as it’s charged with ‘industrial manslaughter’ after a worker was killed by reversing forklift
- Brisbane Auto Recycling will face the new court charge in court in November
- Company directors face separate charges of engaging in reckless conduct
- Under new laws, corporate offenders are liable for a fine of up to $10million
The Queensland government has levelled its first industrial manslaughter charge after a worker was hit and killed by a reversing forklift in May.
Brisbane Auto Recycling will face the new charge in court in November.
Company directors Asadullah Hussaini and Mohammad Ali Jan Karimi face separate charges of engaging in reckless conduct.
Individuals face a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, with corporate offenders liable for a fine of up to $10million.
The Queensland government has levelled its first industrial manslaughter charge after a worker was hit and killed by a reversing forklift in May (stock image)
‘These laws are about saving lives and ensuring all Queenslanders return home to their loved ones after a day’s work,’ Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace says.
‘They are the first of their kind to be introduced by a state jurisdiction and leave negligent employers culpable in workplace deaths with nowhere to hide.’
Work Health and Safety will allege Brisbane Auto Recycling caused the death at the Rocklea plant on May 17 by failing to effectively separate pedestrians from a mobile plant and supervise workers.
The charge against Hussaini and Karimi relate to their alleged failure to ensure the business had those systems in place.
The charges will be mentioned in the Holland Park Magistrates Court on November 1.