Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association to be prosecuted over death of Ben Shaw

PCYC Queensland will be prosecuted over the 2017 death of a Brisbane teenager who died after a weight bar fell on his throat while he was working out alone.

Ben Shaw, 15 died on September 30, 2017.

Work Health and Safety on Monday confirmed it will prosecute PCYC over the death of 15-year-old Bray Park resident Ben Shaw at its Pine Rivers centre.

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The teenager was working out alone at the centre on September 26, 2017 when a weight bar came down onto his throat, trapping him for about 20 minutes before he was found by staff.

Staff administered first aid before he was transported to Lady Cilento Hospital for treatment. He died at the hospital four days later.

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Ben Shaw died after becoming trapped under gym equipment at Pine Rivers PCYC in September 2017. Picture: AAP Image/Claudia Baxter

“Following a comprehensive investigation by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, a brief of evidence was referred to the Office of the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor,” an Office of Industrial Relations spokesman said.

“After careful consideration, the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor has commenced a prosecution against the Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association for a Category 2 offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for failing to comply with a health and safety duty and exposing individuals to a risk of death or serious injury.”

The complaint will be mentioned in the Pine Rivers Magistrates’ Court on November 8.

Ben’s father Scott said he had mixed feelings about the prosecution of PCYC Queensland.

“It certainly is not a cause for celebration as we still don’t have our Benny,” he said.

“Ben was an amazing young man, who is still very much loved and missed by all.

“I hope these proceedings address any unanswered questions regarding the matter and also that the appropriate changes are made so that this doesn’t happen again.”