Integrate Safety underscores the critical importance of workplace safety in the wake of a landmark case where a stonemasonry business, LH Holding Management Pty Ltd, trading as Universal Stone and Marble, became the first company convicted under Victoria’s workplace manslaughter laws. The company was fined $1.3 million, and its sole director, Laith Hanna, received a conviction and a two-year Community Corrections Order.
The conviction stems from a tragic incident in October 2021, where a 25-year-old sub-contractor lost his life after a forklift, operated by Hanna, tipped over and fatally crushed him. The court found LH Holding Management negligent, emphasizing that the company could have reasonably reduced the risk by adhering to safety measures such as driving the forklift with the load as low to the ground as possible and ensuring safe operation on slopes.
Integrate Safety stands ready to assist businesses in implementing robust safety measures for mobile plant operations, particularly forklifts. The company emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive safety practices, including the development and regular review of traffic management plans, effective communication systems, proper signage and barriers, addressing visibility concerns, providing adequate training, and ensuring adherence to manufacturer recommendations.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the personal and financial consequences faced by duty holders when workplace safety is compromised. Integrate Safety urges employers to prioritize the well-being of workers and adhere to safety protocols to avoid tragic incidents like the one highlighted in this news post.
Read the full news post by WorkSafe here: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-02/13-million-fine-workplace-manslaughter