Oxyacetylene explosion trial to begin
22nd October 2015
AUSTRALIA: The employers of a young refrigeration engineer who died when a leaking oxy acetylene cylinder exploded in 2011 are expected to face trial next week in Melbourne.
The company, Cool Dynamics Refrigeration, has pleaded guilty to to three charges including failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment and failing to provide training.
Joey Consentino, 25, died when his work van exploded outside his home in the Melbourne suburb of Mulgrave on December 12, 2011. It is believed the explosion was caused by a leaking oxy acetylene gas cylinder and may have been ignited when he opened a door as he left for work. The explosion littered the street with debris and damaged many homes in the area. The engineer was treated at the scene but sadly passed away later the same day in hospital.
According to Australia’s 9news, Crown prosecutor Philip Dunn QC said witness statements made after the explosion showed Mr Consentino and his colleagues had not been properly educated about the risks associated with the gas bottles, and only knew what they had learnt on the job.
The company will argue there is no legislation, requirement or advice that a reasonable employer, such as Cool Dynamics, would have written risk assessments or procedures for.
