Record WHS Fine in NSW After Woodchipper Death
In an incident that is nothing short of harrowing, a tree removal company in New South Wales has faced a record court-imposed fine of more than $2 million following the tragic death of a worker.
On a school ground in Lindfield, Sydney’s north, in September 2019, workers from A1 Arbor Tree Services were carrying out routine tree removal. As branches were fed into a woodchipper, a devastating accident occurred. A 40-year-old Fijian national was fatally drawn into the equipment.
What the Court Found
Hearings revealed the company had no risk assessment for the woodchipper, the machine had defects, supervision was lacking, and no proper training was provided. The company pleaded guilty to failing to comply with its safety obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). Recognising the extreme, foreseeable harm, NSW District Court Judge Wendy Sue Strathdee imposed a $2.025 million fine, the largest against a business in NSW to date.
Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis described the incident as “shocking” and “completely avoidable”, stating: “The lives of workers must be priority number one. No excuses, no exceptions.” For practical guidance on duties and risk management, see SafeWork NSW and the regulator’s resource library.
Why This Matters for Employers and Workers
Workplace safety is not a tick-box exercise. It is a legal mandate. When guidelines are skirted and training is an afterthought, consequences can be catastrophic. Robust risk assessments, verified training, and equipment maintenance are essential controls for high-risk plant such as woodchippers.
Need Help After a Work Accident?
At Jameson Law, we guide employers and injured workers through investigations, compensation and WHS prosecutions. If you need help now, call (02) 8806 0866 or contact us for a confidential discussion.
