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Incident Overview
A greyhound trainer and handler was seriously injured when a 28-kilogram mechanical lure struck him during a trial at Greyhound Racing SA’s Angle Park track in Adelaide on Tuesday, 6 September 2022. SafeWork SA later reported a prosecution and conviction against Greyhound Racing SA Limited. ABC News reported on 4 August 2026 that an appeal upheld the conviction, reduced the fine and ordered the $40,000 compensation paid to the racing body to be returned.
Workplace, Location and Time
- Incident date: Tuesday, 6 September 2022
- Approximate time: Time not reported
- Workplace/location: Greyhound Racing SA’s Angle Park track, 55 Cardigan Street, Angle Park, South Australia
Worker and Incident Details
SafeWork SA described the injured person as a dog handler, while ABC News described him as a trainer. SafeWork SA reported that he and two other people used a shortcut across the track to the catching pen as a 342-metre trial race concluded. The handler was near the catching pen when the mechanical lure passed at about 70 kilometres per hour. The available reports do not publish his name or age.
Injuries or Fatality
SafeWork SA reported that an ambulance took the handler to hospital, where he underwent two surgeries for three fractures to his right leg. The agency also reported two fractures to his left hand, the loss of one tooth, a fracture to another tooth and a mouth laceration. ABC News likewise reported fractures, broken teeth and mouth lacerations requiring hospitalisation and two surgeries.
Emergency and Regulator Response
SafeWork SA prosecuted Greyhound Racing SA over the incident. The agency reported that, afterwards, the organisation changed physical barriers, access gates and the mechanical lure system and updated procedures for trial operations, the catching pen, exclusion zones and related equipment. For information about work injury claims, see Carter Capner Law’s workers compensation lawyers.
Investigation or Court Update
SafeWork SA reported on 16 May 2025 that the South Australian Employment Tribunal had recorded a conviction, imposed a $255,000 fine and ordered $40,000 in compensation for the injured handler. ABC News reported on 4 August 2026 that, on appeal, the tribunal found the compensation order had been made without the required process, ordered the money returned to Greyhound Racing SA, reduced the fine to $180,000 and upheld the criminal conviction. ABC also reported that SafeWork SA was ordered to pay Greyhound Racing SA’s legal fees.
Sources