A Victorian caravan park has been fined $475,000 for failing to keep its workplace safe after a camper was killed by a falling tree branch.

Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park in Healesville was sentenced at the County Court last week after earlier being found guilty over the March 2021 incident.  

The court heard the camper was in his tent when the large branch fell onto him, causing fatal head injuries.

WorkSafe investigations found park operators had not made a general assessment of trees on the site since 2015, and did not have a documented system for inspecting them.

The court heard 137 of 277 trees at the park required some form of risk mitigation, with 85 needing work within the year.  

WorkSafe says the court found the caravan park should have engaged an arborist to complete annual tree assessments.  

“Duty-holders must do all they can to manage the risk of falling trees and branches, particularly in workplaces where people spend large amounts of time, such as campsites,” Health and safety executive director Sam Jenkin said.  

“This terrible incident, in which a man has lost his life during what should have been an enjoyable outdoor experience, demonstrates the heartbreaking cost of not proactively prioritising safety.”

The court has issued an adverse publicity order, requiring the park to publicise the offence and penalty in an industry publication.