Lessons from Lochert Bros' $129,000 Fine Following Severe Workplace Injury

In April 2025, Lochert Bros Pty Ltd, a citrus exporting company based in Ramco, South Australia, was fined $129,000 after a 22-year-old employee suffered a severe degloving injury while operating machinery at their facility . The incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to workplace health and safety regulations.

The Incident

In March 2023, the young worker was operating a high-pressure washing machine designed and built by Lochert Bros approximately 30 years prior. While attempting to dislodge stuck oranges, she reached into the machine while it was still operating. Her jacket sleeve became caught in a pinch point, pulling her arm into the rotating drive chain and pusher bars. She sustained a degloving injury between her elbow and wrist, requiring surgery and a skin graft from her thigh.

Legal Outcome

The South Australian Employment Tribunal found Lochert Bros guilty on two counts:

1. Committing a Category 2 offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.

2. Failing to ensure the emergency stop control on the pressure washer complied with safety regulations.

   
   

The emergency stop was neither prominent nor clearly marked, and it was not immediately accessible to workers. Additionally, the company failed to provide adequate information, training, instruction, or supervision to protect workers from risks.

Post-Incident Actions

Following the incident, SafeWork SA issued 44 improvement notices to Lochert Bros, including 18 related to inadequate machinery guarding. The company reported spending over $250,000 on safety upgrades and appointed a new chief executive to oversee compliance. An audit of their transport division and site was also planned .

Three Key Lessons

1. Prioritise Machine Safety and Maintenance

   Regularly inspect and maintain machinery to ensure all safety features, such as emergency stops, are functional, clearly marked, and easily accessible. Outdated equipment should be upgraded to meet current safety standards.
   

2. Provide Comprehensive Training and Supervision

   Employees must receive thorough training on operating machinery safely and be supervised to ensure compliance with safety protocols. Clear instructions and regular safety drills can reinforce proper procedures.
   

3. Respond Promptly to Safety Incidents

   In the event of an incident, immediate action should be taken to address safety shortcomings. This includes cooperating with regulatory bodies, implementing recommended improvements, and supporting affected employees.

The Lochert Bros case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting workplace safety. Employers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of their employees through proper equipment maintenance, training, and prompt response to hazards. By learning from such incidents, businesses can foster a safer work environment and prevent future tragedies.