Company fined over workplace death

A Melbourne company and its managing director have been fined $100,000 each over the death of a worker in 2006.

It is the first time a company director has been sentenced for a workplace death, under the Occupational Heath and Safety Act 2004.

The Victorian County Court heard the managing director of Manumatic Industries, Stanley Guthrie, told an employee, Frank Grima, to make drip trays for a machine that manufactured exhaust pipes at the company's Epping factory.

The court was told Mr Grima was hit on the head when he approached the machine and died from his injuries.

He was 55-years-old.

The court heard the machine's key safety feature, a laser safety curtain, was not working effectively.

Guthrie pleaded guilty to one count [of?] and Manumatic Industries pleaded guilty to a two charges [of?]

Outside Court Mr Grima's son Paul said he was happy with the sentence.

"Nothing will ever bring back my father but the judge did look into it and made the right call," he said.

Quote One count of what? Two charges of what? Manslaughter? Why was that too hard to print?

Man convicted over internet video footage

A 20-year-old Seymour man has been convicted after Victoria's first prosecution arising out of video footage on popular website YouTube.

The Seymour Magistrates Court heard Matthew Ward made a video of himself with his phone skylarking on a forklift at work.

The court heard the video showed him reversing this forklift at speed, spinning the tyres, driving with the rear wheels raised and failing to wear a seatbelt.

The video clip was viewed 238 times before Matthew Ward was caught.

He was charged after colleagues recognised him and the premises in the video.

He was dismissed from his job at a Kilmore fabrication plant and his forklift license was suspended.

Worksafe prosecutor Karen Argiropolous told the court since 1985 there has been 56 forklift fatalities and that Ward's conduct was aggravated by him recording and promoting the video.

Ward's defence lawyer Greg George said his client did not realise he was placing himself in danger, was very remorseful and had suffered the consequences of his actions.

Magistrate Caitlin English said it was remarkable Ward was not injured.

She said it was a serious offence and it was important to deter other young people from following suit.

He was convicted and ordered to perform fifty hours community service.

Safework Australia bill goes to Parliament

Legislation setting up a national body to oversee occupational health and safety and workers compensation has been introduced to federal Parliament.

Safework Australia will develop legislation to be adopted uniformly in all states and territories.

The body will have an independent chairman and representatives from the Commonwealth, the states, employers and unions.

Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard says it is an important step.

"This bill ushers in a new era of cooperation and collaboration between the Commonwealth and the states and territories in this important area of work," she said.

"A collaboration which will improve the health and safety of workers across Australia and reduce the complexity of regulation for businesses."