Potato Company Fined $360,000 After Propeller Severely Injures Employee
Parilla Premium Potatoes, a South Australian company, has been convicted and fined $360,000 by the South Australian Employment Tribunal following a severe workplace accident. In September 2023, employee Krunal Shah suffered catastrophic injuries, including partial finger amputations and multiple fractures, when he was struck by the propeller of a Cessna aircraft. The incident occurred as Shah approached the plane, which had its engine running, to inspect a new processing line. The tribunal found that safety measures were inadequate, noting the danger zone was unmarked and the pilot failed to explicitly prohibit walking in front of the aircraft. Although the maximum penalty was $1.5 million, the fine was reduced due to the company's early guilty plea and remorse. Parilla Premium Potatoes subsequently implemented stricter safety protocols, such as banning hot loading. The company also provided significant personal and financial support to Shah, including sponsoring his brother's migration and covering family travel expenses, actions praised by the tribunal for prioritizing the victim's well-being over self-interest.
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Potato Company Fined $360,000 After Propeller Severely Injures Employee
Parilla Premium Potatoes, a South Australian company, has been convicted and fined $360,000 by the South Australian Employment Tribunal following a severe workplace accident. In September 2023, employee Krunal Shah suffered catastrophic injuries, including partial finger amputations and multiple fractures, when he was struck by the propeller of a Cessna aircraft. The incident occurred as Shah approached the plane, which had its engine running, to inspect a new processing line. The tribunal found that safety measures were inadequate, noting the danger zone was unmarked and the pilot failed to explicitly prohibit walking in front of the aircraft. Although the maximum penalty was $1.5 million, the fine was reduced due to the company's early guilty plea and remorse. Parilla Premium Potatoes subsequently implemented stricter safety protocols, such as banning hot loading. The company also provided significant personal and financial support to Shah, including sponsoring his brother's migration and covering family travel expenses, actions praised by the tribunal for prioritizing the victim's well-being over self-interest.
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