Melbourne bread manufacturer Centenary Bakehouse charged with manslaughter following labourer’s death

The death of a labourer who fell four metres onto a concrete floor has been blamed on workplace negligence by an industry watchdog.

A labourer died after falling four metres onto a concrete floor at the Centenary Bakehouse in Melbourne. Picture: Google

Operators of a bakehouse where a labourer died after falling four metres onto a concrete floor have been charged with workplace manslaughter.

WorkSafe Victoria announced on Tuesday that it had charged Risham Nominees, which operates the north Melbourne garlic bread manufacturer Centenary Bakehouse, with multiple breaches of workplace health and safety laws.

The 53-year-old was removing suspended ceiling panels at a Reservoir warehouse in August 2021 when he fell to his death, with the industry watchdog alleging the company’s negligence and breach of duty led to the man’s death.

Risham Nominees is separately charged with failing to prepare a safe work method statement before the “high-risk” construction work began and failing to provide a safe working environment that was without health risks.

The matter is due before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on May 24.