A PERTH car dealership has been fined $30,000 after a car detailer was badly injured by a vehicle driven by a unlicensed apprentice
In the Perth Magistrate's Court today, Paceway Mitsubishi, in Osborne Park in Perth's north, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a safe working environment.
On September 20, 2007, car detailer Anton Graeme Cruikshank was cleaning the boot of a Mitsubishi 380 when he was struck by a Mitsubishi Pajero, crushing him between the two vehicles.
Mr Cruikshank received multiple fractures to his pelvis and lower legs.
The Pajero was driven by a 17-year-old apprentice mechanic who did not have a driver's licence.
WorkSafe Commissioner Nina Lyhne said in a statement today that Paceway had been aware the apprentice had been involved in two previous car accidents at the workplace.
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But she said no action was taken to instruct or supervise him while he continued to drive in the workplace.
``It is clear that Paceway Mitsubishi did not take seriously their obligation to provide a safe working environment,'' she said.
The company Blancoa, trading as Paceway Mitsubishi, was also ordered to pay court costs of $1,750.70.
ouch.. if I was the dude who got crushed I'd be seeking more than 30k!
