A gas company will have to pay a $550,000 fine over a ute explosion that left a man permanently disabled.
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After a three-week trial in Victoria's County Court, Supagas Pty Ltd was on Wednesday fined, with no conviction, $275,000 for failing to provide a safe system of work.
It was fined another $275,000 for failing to ensure persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks arising from their conduct.
The ute explosion back in 2017 left a man permanently disabled and wheelchair bound along with damaging surrounding cars and homes.
The court heard the worker was driving along Mountain Highway in Bayswater when two gas cylinders he picked up from Supagas containing acetylene and oxygen exploded.
It also heard that the Supagas breaches had put the safety of multiple other people at risk.
The investigation into the cause of the incident revealed the explosion was the ignition of an acetylene vapour and air mixture in the ute's fully enclosed and sealed rear compartment, which likely occurred because of unsecured cylinders being placed on their side rather than upright.
The court heard it was reasonably practicable for Supagas to ensure all gas cylinders were safely secured in an upright position in a vehicle that is adequately ventilated before leaving its premises.
But, Supagas was found not guilty for a third charge of failing to provide information, instruction or training to enable employees to work safely.
New Sector Engineering Pty Ltd, the worker's employer, was fined $300,000 in a separate conviction after pleading guilty to two charges in April 2020.
WorkSafe executive director Narelle Beer said suppliers, contractors or tradies should incorporate proper procedures for the safe handling and transporting of highly flammable chemicals like acetylene gas.
The consequences of not putting health and safety first when it comes to dangerous goods can be catastrophic, Dr Beer said.
Australian Associated Press
