The operator of a cattle feedlot in the Wimmera has been charged after a farmhand was electrocuted.
WorkSafe has issued two charges against the operator, Harmony Operations Australia, after 29-year-old Adrian Wilde died while working on a property in Gerang Gerung, near Dimboola, in November 2020.
It is understood Mr Wilde was using a telehandler to stack hay bales when the machinery came into contact with overhead powerlines.
Harmony Operations Australia is facing charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment.
It is alleged the company failed to set up an exclusion zone around the powerlines.
It is also alleged the company failed to provide necessary information and instruction to enable employees to work safely.
The matter has been listed for a hearing at the Horsham Magistrates’ Court later this month.
Harmony Operations Australia, which is based out of Fremantle, has acknowledged the charges issued against the company.
A spokesperson told the ABC the incident continued to impact the company.
“The Harmony team continues to be greatly saddened by the loss of our highly valued friend and colleague, Adrian Wilde, and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and co-workers,” the spokesperson said.
“Harmony has cooperated with the authorities investigating the incident, including WorkSafe, and will continue to cooperate with WorkSafe and the Court in relation to this matter.”
The company said health and safety of workers was its highest priority.
“We continue to work with internal and external specialists to ensure we provide a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees and contractors,” the spokesperson said.
Source: ABC News
