Lawson Grains fined $210,000 over worker's burns in generator fire
Worker Madison Brown suffered serious burns refuelling a generator; company Lawson Grains fined $210,000.
Madison Brown was refuelling a Honda generator at a Lawson Grains site on December 11, 2023, when petrol ignited on the hot engine surface. Flames travelled up her arm, causing serious burns to about 5.5 percent of her body across her hands, arm, face and shoulder.
Madison Brown was treated at Orange hospital then transferred to Sydney for specialist burns care. The generator was only five days old and required refuelling every two hours.
The court heard that petrol should not be added until the engine has cooled for about 10 minutes; Madison waited only one to two minutes. Lawson Grains Pty Ltd was convicted in the NSW Industrial Court and fined $210,000.
The company's CEO expressed deep regret for the incident and the impact on Madison and her family.
- 5.5 percent
- Body surface burned
- 5 days old
- Generator age
- $210,000
- Court fine
- 10 minutes
- Recommended cool-down
Why it mattersA simple 10-minute cool-down period prevents serious burn injuries; the fine highlights how critical proper safety procedures are in workplaces.
AustraliaSafeWork NSW's enforcement shows Australian regulators holding companies accountable for serious workplace safety breaches with substantial penalties.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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