A work foreman who failed to check that the area in which he was working was clear has been fined $35,000, and ordered to pay reparation of $15,000, after one of his team was crushed to death.

The Court held that the foreman should have ensured he knew where everyone in the team was before commencing the operation that led to the accident.

The employer was also ordered to pay $135,000 in fines and reparation for its part in not taking all practicable steps to ensure its employee’s safety.