SafeWork SA executive director, Bryan Russell.

South Australia's Industrial Court has fined a company $A80,000 plus legal fees after a worker suffered severe crush injuries and broken bones while operating an overhead crane.

Industrial coating and paint company Tru-Coat was prosecuted for failing to provide and maintain a safe system of work after a 22-year-old worker was injured in 2012 when steel beams fell on him as he moved them using an overhead crane.

It failed to implement safe work practices that would have seen at least two people undertake the task: one to operate the crane and the other to be a spotter to direct the beams' movement.

Following last week's prosecution, SafeWork SA executive director Bryan Russell warns people to remain vigilant in managing their workplace risks.

"I remind all business owners and operators that unsafe practices and work health and
safety breaches can result in legal action, with severe penalties imposed by the courts for parties found guilty."

He says managing work health and safety can be easily achieved by following simple steps, including inspecting sites to identify and address risks, consulting workers and providing training and supervision, and implementing and reviewing work systems.

"Prevention is the key to avoiding prosecution."