Fruit grower charged over cool room death

The 50-year-old man was found unresponsive in a low-oxygenated cool room being used to preserve apples, after his vehicle was spotted outside unattended with the engine running.

Gvip Storage Pty Ltd faces two charges under section 26(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure a workplace under its management or control was safe and without risks to health.

WorkSafe alleges the company failed to reduce the risk of serious injury or death by prohibiting entry to cool rooms operating with a controlled atmosphere and by having clear and prominent warning signage.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing at Shepparton Magistrates' Court on Friday 20 December.