WorkSafe's GM of health and safety operations, Lisa Sturzenegger.

A drilling company has been fined $170,000 after pleading guilty to an incident in which a falling gantry crane injured one man and narrowly missed several others working on the Wonthaggi desalination pipeline project.

Pezzimenti Laserbore pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to ensure the safety of workers. It was also ordered to pay $2,787.52 in costs.

The incident occurred on 25 February 2011 as the company was dismantling a specially designed gantry crane from a pipeline site beside the Bass River at Kernot.

WorkSafe's GM of health and safety operations, Lisa Sturzenegger, says it was fortunate no-one was killed in the incident.

"This prosecution serves as a timely reminder that safety must always be a top priority on any work site.

"As we are getting into a busy time of year for many employers and employees, we want everyone to take extra care at work. We want all families to get to Christmas safely, and not be visiting a seriously injured family member in hospital, or mourning the death of a loved one."