Fatally unsafe abattoir costs owners $250k

The Court of Appeal has dismissed a bid to increase a penalty imposed on an abattoir after an unsafe ramp collapsed and killed a delivery driver in country Victoria.

Prosecutors said a fine of $250,000 imposed against Frewstal Pty Ltd was manifestly inadequate for three safety breaches that led to a man sustaining fatal injuries in September 2013.

The Victorian Court of Appeal found Frewstal could have taken straightforward and inexpensive steps to eliminate risk but the crown prosecuted the case in such a way that the $250,000 fine was reasonable.