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Introduction
A labour hire company in north-west Victoria has faced significant penalties after a 70-year-old worker died following a fall from a moving trailer. AH Vision Pty Ltd was sentenced in the Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Monday, receiving fines totaling $415,000 for failing to ensure proper safety measures were in place. The tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety in agricultural industries.
Details of the Incident
The fatal accident occurred in January 2022 at the intersection of North South Road and Reserve Road in Woorinen South. Jafar Bunyad, an Afghan national working his second shift picking fruit for Cutri Fruit Pty Ltd, fell from a trailer being towed by a tractor. The trailer, designed to carry large fruit bins, was not intended to transport workers while in motion. Mr. Bunyad sustained severe head injuries, including a fractured skull, and passed away later that day in hospital.
Court documents revealed that the trailer was being towed between two farms when the incident happened as it turned a corner. AH Vision had engaged with Cutri Fruit to supply temporary labour during the harvest season, but critical safety protocols were overlooked.
Legal Consequences
AH Vision was found guilty of two charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act: failing to provide workers with necessary information, instruction, and training, and failing to provide WorkSafe with required information and documents about the incident. For these violations, the company was fined $400,000 and $15,000 respectively. Additionally, AH Vision was ordered to pay $16,045 in costs.
Cutri Fruit Pty Ltd, the stone fruit grower involved, was previously fined $750,000 in December 2024 for its role in the tragedy. AH Vision’s labour hire service provider license was also canceled in 2022 due to non-compliance with safety regulations.
Response from Authorities
WorkSafe Health and Safety Executive Director Sam Jenkin emphasized the responsibility of labour hire companies to prioritize worker safety. “Labour hire companies can’t just send workers off to a worksite and hope for the best,” he stated. “They must ensure appropriate safety training and information are provided so workers aren’t left vulnerable in unfamiliar environments.”
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to workplace safety standards, particularly in high-risk industries like agriculture. Employers and contractors alike share the duty to protect their workforce from preventable accidents.
Facility Details
The incident took place at a farm operated by Cutri Fruit Pty Ltd, a prominent stone fruit grower located near Woorinen South in north-west Victoria. AH Vision Pty Ltd, based in Swan Hill, supplied temporary labour to support seasonal farming activities. Despite its cancellation, AH Vision’s licence suspension underscores the severity of the safety breaches identified during the investigation.