Disclaimer: Reports are provided as a summary only. They are not a verbatim account of the court proceedings and do not contain all details placed before the court. They are not intended to be used as a record of the court proceedings.
On 29 July 2026, a food packaging manufacturer was sentenced in the Caboolture Magistrates Court for breaching section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld). The defendant pleaded guilty to failing to comply with its primary health and safety duty, thereby exposing workers to the risk of death or serious injury.
The risk was realised on 8 January 2025, when an industrial robotic arm reactivated, knocking a worker over and applying downward force upon them, causing three broken ribs, bruising and swelling to their torso.
There was no isolation procedure for the plant or safeguards that ensured the robotic arm was brought to a safe state prior to workers accessing the area.
Sentencing submissions proceeded on 28 May 2026. Her Honour reserved her decision until 29 July 2026. A/Magistrate Boegheim convicted and fined the defendant $125,000 with no conviction recorded.
Her Honour published reasons for her decision in Work Health and Safety v Multisteps Pty Ltd [2026] QMC 17.
OWHSP contact: enquiries@owhsp.qld.gov.au
Court Report
General
Industry
Manufacturing
Date of offence
Injury
Three broken ribs; Bruising and swelling to torso
Court
Caboolture Magistrates Court
Magistrate or judge
Magistrate Boegheim
Decision date
Company
Legislation
Sections 19(1) and 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011
Plea
Guilty
Penalty
$125,000
Maximum fine available
$1,500,000
Professional and legal costs
$1,500
Court costs
$115.00
In default period
N/A
Time to pay
Referred to SPER
Conviction recorded
No