Fruit grower faces charges over cool room death
19 Dec 2024•BlueSafe Team•Source: WorkSafe VIC
Gvip Storage Pty Ltd faces two workplace safety charges following the death of a 50-year-old man in a low-oxygen cool room used to preserve apples.
The man was found unresponsive inside the cool room after his vehicle was noticed outside, unattended and with its engine running.
The company faces two charges under section 26(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The charges concern an alleged failure to ensure a workplace it managed or controlled was safe and without risks to health.
WorkSafe alleges Gvip Storage failed to reduce the risk of serious injury or death by prohibiting entry to cool rooms operating with a controlled atmosphere and providing clear, prominent warning signs.
A filing hearing is scheduled at Shepparton Magistrates' Court on Friday 20 December.
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