A workplace prank involving compressed air that left a factory worker with a perforated intestine has led to a Melbourne caravan manufacturer copping a hefty fine in court.
JCP Group Pty Ltd, trading as Great Aussie Caravans, operated a caravan manufacturing site in Campbellfield where the injured worker was employed in the electrical department and his co-worker worked in caravan construction involving woodworking and power tools.
The Broadmeadows Magistrates Court was told a SYEA 30P air compressor was being used on the factory floor when, on May 9, 2023, the co-worker was using the tool to blow dust from himself in proximity to others.
While the injured worker was continuing his duties, he felt the nozzle of the compressor placed against the outside of his pants near his anus, followed by a brief burst of high-pressure air entering his body.
He immediately experienced severe pain, went to the bathroom and discovered he was bleeding.
He reported the incident to colleagues, including a supervisor and office manager, and an ambulance was called.
Due to delays, he was instead taken by his supervisor to Northern Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment and later underwent surgery for a perforated intestine. Further surgery and ongoing care were expected.
The company pleaded guilty to charges of failing to provide adequate information, instruction and training about the dangers of using compressed air inappropriately, including the risk of serious internal injury, and to failing to notify the Victorian WorkCover Authority of a notifiable incident immediately.
The court accepted the company’s guilty plea and imposed a $50,000 fine on the primary safety charge and a further $10,000 fine for the reporting breach, with no convictions recorded.
It was also ordered to pay $5042 in costs.
In sentencing, the court noted the company had accepted responsibility but described the incident as involving an inappropriate workplace prank rather than a deliberate act by the employer.
However, it found the consequences for the worker were severe, including significant physical injury and psychological impact, and acknowledged his ongoing concerns about stigma affecting future employment.
While the court accepted there was an element of unpredictability in the co-worker’s actions, it emphasised that adequate training and instruction remained essential.
General deterrence and worker safety were identified as key considerations, with the penalty intended to reinforce compliance with workplace health and safety laws.
The court also took into account the company’s otherwise good character and potential impacts on its ability to employ workers, including overseas staff, noting that a recorded conviction may have created additional difficulties.
The court indicated that, but for the guilty plea, it would have imposed a $200,000 fine with conviction.
Great Aussie Caravans is a well-known Australian-owned manufacturer of luxury caravans that builds its range domestically, with a focus on designs suited to Australian touring conditions and off-road travel.
There have been several reported deaths involving similar compressed air “pranks” in workplaces overseas.
In Turkey last year, 15-year-old apprentice Muhammed Kendirci died days after being allegedly overpowered and subjected to a similar act at a woodworking centre in Sanliurfa.
In another case in 2023, 16-year-old Motilal Sahu died from internal injuries after a co-worker inserted a compressed air hose into his rectum at a factory in India.
In 2017, Brazilian car wash worker Wesner Moreira da Silva, 17, also died after colleagues used a high-pressure air hose on him, with two men later convicted and jailed over his death.
