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Introduction
MSF Sugar has been acquitted of a workplace safety charge relating to the electrocution death of employee Brett Quinn, with a magistrate dismissing the case due to insufficient evidence.
Details of the Incident
Brett Quinn, aged 49, died on July 28, 2019, while operating a crane that came too close to overhead powerlines on a road south of Cairns, Far North Queensland. The incident occurred during the transportation of railway track pieces.
Operational Context
MSF Sugar, a major Australian sugar milling company, faced charges for failing to comply with an electrical safety duty. The company was accused of not implementing adequate control measures to mitigate risks from overhead powerlines during the operation.
Court’s Decision and Impact on Victims
After a trial in the Cairns Magistrates Court, MSF Sugar was found not guilty. Magistrate Michael Dalton ruled that there was no evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the company failed to implement necessary safety measures. An earlier industrial manslaughter charge against MSF Sugar was also dismissed in April due to a lack of evidence.