Gin Distillery Faces Court Over Serious Worker Injury in 2021 Fire

Incident Overview

In February 2021, Greg Longmore, a newly hired worker at Adams Distillery in Perth, Tasmania, sustained severe burns to 40 per cent of his body when a gin still caught fire during production. The incident has since led to legal proceedings at the Launceston Magistrates Court, where Adams Distillery faces charges relating to workplace health and safety breaches.

Magistrate Evan Hughes is currently deliberating on whether the distillery adequately trained and supervised Mr. Longmore, who had no prior experience in distillation, before allowing him to operate the equipment.

WorkSafe Tasmania investigated the incident. The case proceeded to trial at Launceston Magistrates Court, with the prosecution arguing that Adams Distillery failed to provide adequate training and supervision to Mr. Longmore before allowing him to operate the still. The defence contended that Mr. Longmore’s inability to recall details of the incident stemmed from trauma-induced memory loss rather than insufficient training. Evidence included CCTV footage showing Mr. Longmore correctly following procedures the day before the incident. However, contradictions emerged during cross-examination regarding what safety instruction Mr. Longmore had received about ethanol and fire risks. Magistrate Evan Hughes will deliver his verdict at a later date.

WorkSafe Tasmania is continuing its oversight of this matter. Any workers, contractors or persons with relevant information about workplace practices or safety protocols at Adams Distillery are encouraged to contact WorkSafe Tasmania on 1300 366 322 or via their online reporting form at worksafe.tas.gov.au.

In Summary

WorkSafe Tasmania investigated the incident. The case proceeded to trial at Launceston Magistrates Court, with the prosecution arguing that Adams Distillery failed to provide adequate training and supervision to Mr. Longmore before allowing him to operate the still. The defence contended that Mr. Longmore’s inability to recall details of the incident stemmed from trauma-induced memory loss rather than insufficient training. Evidence included CCTV footage showing Mr. Longmore correctly following procedures the day before the incident. However, contradictions emerged during cross-examination regarding what safety instruction Mr. Longmore had received about ethanol and fire risks. Magistrate Evan Hughes will deliver his verdict at a later date.