Minister for WorkCover Tim Holding said while the fine was a reminder of the strong financial penalties for safety breaches, employers shouldn’t need to be fined to realise the importance of workplace safety.

“Every Victorian employer and employee should take heed from this example that led to the death of a worker and a record $1.1 million fine for the business,” Mr Holding said.

“But it shouldn’t have to come to this to get people thinking about safety.

“While most workplaces do the right thing, there are some that just don’t realise the consequences of getting it wrong.”

Mr Holding said the Victorian Government had invested in campaigns to remind Victorians of the need to constantly review their safety obligations and whether they have met them.

“The most tragic aspect of this case is that a Victorian worker has lost his life,” Mr Holding said.

“It is worth reminding every workplace that WorkSafe now inspects a Victorian workplace every 12 minutes.

“Each serious offence carries maximum fines of over $940,000 for companies and $180,000 for individuals who put workers at risk of injury and fatalities.

“While Victoria continues to have the safest workplaces in the country, all employers and employees must remain vigilant to ensure that everyone gets home safe at the end of the working day.”