BRADKEN has been charged with safety breaches by WorkSafe following the death of a Wodonga employee nearly two years ago.
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Father-of-two Peter Watson died on July 22, 2014, at the Osburn Street foundry.
The 42-year-old had been using a skid steer when he was engulfed in flames after a 276 kilogram metal casting fell and crushed him.
He died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services to save him.
Bradken Resources Pty Ltd has been charged by WorkSafe Victoria with failing to provide and maintain a safe plant.
A filing hearing has been listed for the Wodonga Magistrates’ Court on May 16.
The incident had been the first Wodonga workplace death since 2006.
Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union organiser Dave Corben said Mr Watson’s colleagues were still coming to terms with his death.
The Border Mail understands several people witnessed the incident and its aftermath.
“They’re still not over it,” he said.
“One of their mates has died.
“It was a horrible accident and I think it’s had a profound effect on his workmates.
“It’s also had a huge impact on the family.
“His two young sons no longer have a dad.”
A service was held in Sumsion Gardens on Thursday for International Workers’ Memorial Day.
A plaque for Mr Watson was installed at the gardens last year during a service with his former partner and sons, and he was again remembered on Thursday.
Mr Corben hoped the court proceedings would help with the healing process.
“I think it will give people some closure around it,” he said.
“If there is blame to be laid, that will become clear.
“At the moment no-one really knows what happened.
“There is a lot of speculation.
“This will be about getting the facts out.”
The company may face significant fines if found guilty before the court.
A Worksafe spokesman said Mr Watson had been operating a skid steer to move the recently cast heavy metal components into a cooling bin.
The casting fell through the loader’s windscreen into his cabin about 11pm.
Bradken did not return calls to The Border Mail on Friday.