The City of Palmerston has been charged with nine breaches of work health and safety laws after one of its workers nearly drowned while removing weeds from a Durack lake in 2020.

NT WorkSafe has charged the city, alleging it failed to follow the manufacturer’s directions of an amphibious weed harvester that capsized on the worker, trapping the worker under water on February 13, 2020.

The worker was able to free themselves but was injured in the incident.

It is alleged one of the recommendations not followed by the city involved modifying the harvester with a crocodile cage, without consulting with the manufacturer, WorkSafe said in a statement. The modification, it is alleged, may have affected the craft’s stability and safety during operation.

The City of Palmerston faces six charges under the NT Work Health and Safety Act 2011, including two counts under Section 32 for failing to provide duty of care, and two charges related to failing to control fittings, fixtures or plant at a workplace. It also faces another two charges of failing to comply with primary duty of care under Section 33 of the Act.

The city has also been charged for breaching Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011, including with one count each of failing to provide information, training and instruction; failing to provide first aid and failing to prepare, maintain and implement an emergency plan.

The maximum penalty if found guilty of the charges is $7.09 million.

The matter is listed for Darwin Local Court on August 29.