Thomas Borthwick and Sons Australia Pty Ltd is charged with breaching is duty of care

A regional abattoir is accused of exposing a worker to the risk of death or serious injury for failing to repair faulty equipment.

Thomas Borthwick and Sons (Australia) Pty Ltd is charged with breaching its duty of care.

A Mackay region abattoir is accused of risking the life of a worker after allegedly failing to repair faulty equipment.

Thomas Borthwick and Sons Australia Pty Ltd is charged with breaching its duty of care between January 3 and June 17, 2021.

It is alleged the Bakers Creek-based meatworks exposed a worker to risk of death or serious injury or illness.

Court documents sighted by this publication alleged the risk was linked to a “rise and fall platform” used by workers to access and make cuts of meat from carcasses strung up on a rail above.

The platform was supported by a scissor lift mechanism that incorporated a screw jack, which was rotated via an electric-powered worm screw.

Workplace Health and Safety prosecutors have alleged the screw jack was defective in that it was damaged, part was “critically worn down” and it was missing protective covers.

“Use of the platform was hazardous in that the defective screw jack was unable to maintain the platform at height whilst under load,” the WHS complaint alleged.

“This posed a risk to the health and safety of workers who used it, namely the possibility of death or serious injury if the (equipment) failed and the platform collapsed to its lowest position.”

WHS prosecutor allege the business, located on Main St in Bakers Creek, could have eliminated or minimised the risk a number of ways including “converting the platform to be hydraulically actuated”, installing protective covers, replacing the damaged and critically worn part or installing a safety support for the platform.

The court documents state it was alleged the business could also have implemented a system of maintenance that included daily inspections, and monthly and annual maintenance, as well as prohibiting workers using the platform until the defects were repaired.

The matter was first mentioned in Mackay Magistrates Court on Tuesday and was adjourned to early November for mention.