Lemitech Pty Ltd pleads not guilty to OHS charges over 2023 death of Liam Harrington
The director of a Lethbridge chicken farm operator has pleaded not guilty to workplace safety charges stemming from a fatal conveyor belt accident in 2023.
Geelong
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A Lethbridge chicken farm operator will go to trial over charges stemming from the conveyor belt death of a worker in 2023.
Liam Harrington, 34, died in a horrific workplace accident at an English Rd poultry farm on March 21, 2023.
According to WorkSafe, he was working with the conveyor belt guard removed when he became entangled in the rotating components of the tail pulley.
In February, WorkSafe charged the farm’s operator, Lemitech Pty Ltd with three workplace safety offences.
The charges the company faces sit under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
WorkSafe alleges Lemitech failed to reduce the risk of serious injury or death, by not:
- installing a fixed guard with a viewing window on the tail pulley
- installing in-running nip guards over the roller of the tail pulley
- installing a maintenance jog function to slow the conveyor when the existing guard was removed or implement a lockout-tag out procedure to prevent the conveyor from operating during maintenance works.
The company fronted court on Tuesday for a committal mention, represented by its director, Jovan Lemic and barrister Glenn Barr, who both appeared via videolink.
The prosecution and defence were set to ask for an adjournment as discussions continued, before Magistrate Peter Mellas said he intended to send the matter to the County Court as it was the “proper place”.
“Why shouldn’t I just commit it for trial today?” Mr Mellas asked, noting the parties could continue discussions under the supervision of a County Court judge.
Mr Barr told the court “the matter will not resolve any sooner”.
“That’s fine, but it can go to the place where it’s going to be heard,” Mr Mellas responded.
The matter was briefly stood down, so Mr Barr could explain the committal process to Mr Lemic.
When it returned, Mr Mellas read a committal caution, and asked Mr Lemic, on behalf of the company, how he pleaded.
“Not guilty,” Mr Lemic said.
The company will now face a directions hearing in the County Court at Melbourne on August 12.
At his memorial service, Mr Harrington was remembered as a beloved friend, son and brother, with an infectious love of life and sport.
Lemitech Pty Ltd was first registered in March 1983 and has operated under its current name since April 1990, according to ASIC documents.
Originally published as Lemitech Pty Ltd pleads not guilty to OHS charges over 2023 death of Liam Harrington
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