Australian company escapes massive fine for death

Steve Bower was killed two years ago when a box-stacking lift that was four metres high collapsed on him at the factory he was working at. The company, AB recycling, was found guilty this week of grave safety violations and fined over US $600,000. Unfortunately the owners of AB Recycling placed the company into voluntary administration soon after the accident. A new company, High Heat, owned and operated by the same people as AB Recycling, doing the same operations, then started up. Unfortunately, under Australian law, this new company is not liable for any debts or fines of the previous company. This is another example of how the legal system fails workers, especially on health and safety.

Steve Bower was killed two years ago when a box-stacking lift that was four metres high collapsed on him at the factory he was working at. The company, AB recycling, was found guilty this week of grave safety violations and fined over US $600,000. Unfortunately the owners of AB Recycling placed the company into voluntary administration soon after the accident. A new company, High Heat, owned and operated by the same people as AB Recycling, doing the same operations, then started up. Unfortunately, under Australian law, this new company is not liable for any debts or fines of the previous company. This is another example of how the legal system fails workers, especially on health and safety.