Western Meat Exporters Pty Ltd

The independent Work Health and Safety Prosecutor, Mr Aaron Guilfoyle, has charged Western Meat Exporters Pty Ltd and its sole director, Campbell McPhee, with industrial manslaughter under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 in relation to an incident at Charleville in July 2019. It is alleged a worker sustained fatal injuries at an abattoir operated by the defendant company.

The maximum penalty for industrial manslaughter by a corporation is a fine of $10 million. The maximum penalty for individuals is 20 years imprisonment.

Mr Guilfoyle has also charged Western Meat Exporters Pty Ltd and Mr McPhee with Category 2 offences under the Work Health and Safety Act for breaching health and safety duties and exposing workers to a risk of serious injury or death. The charges arise from the same incident and carry maximum penalties of a $1.5 million fine and $300,000 fine respectively.

The charges against Western Meat Exporters Pty Ltd and Campbell McPhee will be mentioned in the Charleville Magistrates Court on Wednesday 22 September 2021.

Orko Fertilizers Pty Ltd

Mr Guilfoyle has also commenced prosecutions against Orko Fertilizers Pty Ltd and three officers arising from the death of a worker on 10 March 2020.

Orko Fertilizers Pty Ltd has been charged with industrial manslaughter. It is alleged that a worker was fatally injured at a Narangba factory operated by the defendant company.

The Work Health and Safety Prosecutor has also charged Orko Fertilizers Pty Ltd’s chief executive officer, and two former directors, with Category 2 offences under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 following the investigation into the fatality. It is alleged the defendants breached their respective health and safety duties and exposed workers to a risk of serious injury or death.

All defendants are due to appear in the Caboolture Magistrates Court on 22 September 2021.

Media contact: enquiries@owhsp.qld.gov.au