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Introduction
Bundaberg Sugar Limited has been fined $250,000 after a 32-year-old worker was killed while operating hazardous machinery in a cane paddock near Childers last year. The court found the company had failed its health and safety duty by exposing workers to serious risks, though it was not directly charged over the death itself.
Details of the Incident
On May 21, 2024, employee Lachlan Francis was working alone with a fluming roller—a piece of equipment used for irrigation—when he became trapped. He did not return home at the usual time, and his body was discovered later that evening at around 8pm in the machinery, located about four hours north of Brisbane.
The court heard the roller lacked protective guarding, and no safe work method statement or risk assessment had been conducted prior to its use.
Court Proceedings
In the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Thursday, Bundaberg Sugar pleaded guilty to failing to comply with workplace health and safety obligations.
Prosecutor Sarah Lio-Willie described the incident as “graphic and distressing,” noting that Francis was loved and missed by many. Victim impact statements from his family detailed the profound loss suffered by his former partner Emily Burns and their three children, as well as his parents Gregory and Judith.
Magistrate Edwina Rowan emphasised that Francis was not at fault for the tragedy:
“Sudden, tragic and entirely unexpected… their world changed forever.”
Defence Submissions
Defence lawyer Richard Perry KC argued that modifications had been made to the fluming roller after its purchase, including an extended lever controlling rotation speed, which was not captured in the original risk assessment.
However, the magistrate found that Bundaberg Sugar had failed to identify and control risks associated with the machinery, describing the hazard as obvious and highly probable.
Company Response and Safety Measures
Since the incident, Bundaberg Sugar has:
- Installed protective guarding on fluming rollers
- Mandated isolation of power sources before adjustments
- Reviewed the safety of its machinery fleet
A spokesperson said:
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones and colleagues of Lachie, and we remain committed to honouring his memory.”
Penalty and Costs
The company was fined $250,000 and ordered to pay $1,600 in costs. No conviction was recorded, as this was Bundaberg Sugar’s first safety breach charge.
Conclusion
The death of Lachlan Francis underscores the dangers of unguarded agricultural machinery and the importance of proactive risk assessments. While Bundaberg Sugar has since strengthened its safety systems, the case highlights the devastating consequences of safety failures and the lasting impact on families and communities in regional Queensland.