A Victorian mechanics company has had its fine increased for its role in the decoupling of a fuel tanker trailer that killed three people.
Heavy Mechanics Pty Ltd had serviced the truck and trailer roughly a week before the trailer detached and drifted into two oncoming cars, killing Peta Cox, 67, Lisa Turner, 33, and her four-year-old son Jack near Wodonga in August 2014.
The Victorian Court of Appeal on Monday increased the business' fine from $210,00 to $350,000, following an appeal from the public prosecutor encouraged by WorkSafe, which helped build the case for the original trial.
The WorkSafe investigation found Heavy Mechanics employees failed to accurately inspect and test the relevant parts while the truck was detached from the trailer.
The tow-eye coupling that connected the prime mover was excessively worn and failed under load after three years and 350,000km of heavy use, the investigation found.
A jury found Heavy Mechanics should have conducted more accurate testing and inspections to reveal the wear on the coupling.
Executive director of health and safety Narelle Beer said WorkSafe would work to appeal sentences to ensure penalties reflected the human cost of ignoring safety obligations.
"This horrific incident cost three lives, including a young child, and caused untold trauma to their loved ones and community," Dr Beer said.
"While no penalty can ever make up for this terrible loss of life, this sentence sends a strong message to duty holders using our roads that they must consider not only the potential risks to themselves and their workers, but also the potential catastrophic impacts on other road users or members of the public."
