Melbourne company fined $1.3 million after death of Michael Tsahrelias 

·

A family has urged employers to think twice before taking deadly risks following the death of their 25-year-old son Michael Tsahrelias in a forklift incident at work.

Tsahrelias was working as a contractor on site with his father Steve at Universal Stone and Marble at Somerton, Melbourne in October 2021, when the company’s owner, Laith Hanna, was driving a forklift carrying a metal A-frame.

Hanna turned the forklift on a downhill slope while carrying the load as it hung suspended about two metres off the ground. This went against safety standards.

According to Nine News, Tsahrelias tried to steady the forklift, but it lost balance, tipped over and crushed him. Hanna screamed for help and Tsahrelias’ father found him crushed under the machine.

Tsahrelias’ father was among those who attempted to revive his son, but he died at the scene.

Laith Hanna
The owner of the construction company, Laith Hanna. Photo: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui.

On Monday, February 19, the case was before the Supreme Court, where Judge Michael Croucher sentenced Hanna to a two-year community corrections order, where he will have to complete 200 hours of community service.

Hanna’s company, Holding Management Pty Ltd, was also fined $1.3 million in the state’s first workplace manslaughter prosecution.

The Tsahrelias’ family lawyer, Tony Carbone, said the family wanted employers to stop taking risks to avoid further tragedies.

“Don’t leave anything to chance. Just stop (and think), ‘is everyone clear? Is it safe?'” he said to reporters outside the court.

Hanna will also be required to pay $120,000 in compensation to Tsahrelias’ sister.

Source: Nine News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

AHEPA NSW celebrates Greek heroism with unveiling of ‘Maniatisses’ painting

The unveiling of a new painting by artist Angela Kiki, titled ‘The Maniatisses’, marked a moving tribute by AHEPA NSW.

From Chadstone to the Galaxy Stage: How Chleo Eve uses pageants to champion change

Pageants have evolved into platforms where determined young women can make a name for themselves and stand up for causes they believe in.

Navigating menopause with confidence: A conversation with Greek women experts

The Food for Thought Network Inc. is inviting people to a significant online event focused on menopause awareness and empowerment.

Niki Louca shares recipe for the easiest five-minute Artisan Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for the easiest five-minute Artisan Bread with The Greek Herald.

Dr Michael Festas to give seminar on the Peloponnese and the Greek Revolution

The Greek administration undertook the collection of statistical data concerning the population and settlements of the Peloponnese.

You May Also Like

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney’s book club honours centenary of Maria Callas’ birth

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney’s Book Club honoured the centenary of Maria Callas’ birth on Saturday, December 2 with a High Tea Presentation.

Mary’s Pantry: Baking Greece’s Christmas culinary traditions in her Adelaide home kitchen

With Christmas and New Year’s fast approaching, Maria’s home kitchen in Adelaide works like a quirky timer. 

Stavros Venizelos announced as new Ambassador of Greece to Australia

Stavros Venizelos, who formerly served as the Consul General of Greece in Libya, has been named the new Ambassador of Greece to Australia.