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Introduction
Buller Wines in Rutherglen has been fined $50,000 following a severe incident where an ethanol explosion during a distillery tour injured several participants and staff in 2022.
Details of the Incident
During a “distiller for a day” tour at Buller Wines’ facility on April 11, 2022, a 330-litre copper pot still exploded, causing significant injuries to two workers and six customers. The explosion was attributed to inadequate training and oversight, resulting in a fireball that inflicted burns and other injuries on those present.
Legal Proceedings and Outcome
The incident led to a court case where Buller Wines pleaded guilty to failing to provide necessary information and training for safe work practices, as well as failing to ensure the safety of non-employees. The Wodonga Magistrates Court imposed a $50,000 fine on the winery and highlighted the need for improved safety measures.
Safety Measures and Company Response
Following the accident, Buller Wines undertook a comprehensive review of its safety protocols across all operations to prevent future incidents. The company has since improved its training programs to ensure such a tragic event does not reoccur, focusing on better risk management and operational safety.