PCYC Queensland to be prosecuted over teenager’s gym death

Following a "comprehensive investigation" into the death of teenager Ben Shaw at Pine Rivers PCYC in 2017, Queensland's Office of the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor is to take legal action against the Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association (PCYC Queensland).

15-year-old Shaw was found pinned by weightlifting equipment in the gym at the Pine Rivers PCYC in September 2017. He died four days later.

It was understood that the teenager had been working out on the gym's bench-press, unsupervised, at the Pine Rivers gym when equipment came down on his neck.

A staff member reportedly found the teenager about pinned under a 98-kilogram weight.

He was given first aid by staff and other gym members before paramedics rushed him to hospital where he died on 1st October

According to PCYC Queensland's gym and fitness centre policy and procedures, children under the age of 16 must complete an induction with a parent or guardian and must be supervised while at the gym.

The Work Health and Safety Prosecutor has accused the charity of failing to comply with a health and safety duty.

A statement from the Prosecutor advised "after careful consideration, the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor has commenced a prosecution against the Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association for a Category 2 offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for failing to comply with a health and safety duty and exposing individuals to a risk of death or serious injury."

The complaint will be heard in the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on 8th November.

PCYC Queensland has 54 clubs throughout the state.

Image: Dylan Shaw was working out at the Pine Rivers PCYC gym when the incident occurred. Facebook.