Arron Peter Kerr, 25, pleaded guilty in the Darwin Local Court on Wednesday to two charges of reckless conduct in breach of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011.

As well as the fine, he was given a two-year good behaviour bond.

Kerr was the sole trader and owner of mustering contracting company Kerr Contracting & Co.

According to a court document, the 18-year-old ringer - who the Katherine Times has chosen not to name - was tasked with cutting open a 44-gallon drum previously filled with Avgas with an angle grinder at Montejinni Station in 2019.

The drum - which had not been cleaned properly - exploded, with the ringer suffering severe burns to his hands, arms, face and nasal passages.

Kerr did not take the ringer to the hospital in Katherine or Kalkarindji's medical centre, despite another staff member at the station asessing the burns as being first and second degree.

The ringer was then forced to return to the remote mustering camp where appropriate medical equipment was not available.

His condition began deterorating to include a fever, a swollen lump under his arm, bleeding from his bowel and cramping. He was made to continue mustering cattle on horseback despite his complaints of pain and other symptoms.

According to the court document, the ringer's symptoms were "well above, and beyond, remote first aid treatment."

NT Work Health and Safety Regulator Bill Esteves said the facts of the incident were difficult to read.

"This young worker was in a particularly vulnerable situation having recently moved to the Territory and working in a remote location which limited his contact with his support networks such as friends and family," Mr Esteves said.

"It would appear the culture of his workplace was one of stoicism, where people were expected to harden up, just get on with the job and get it done.

"Young workers starting in any industry are eager to fit in and prove their worth, but this shouldn't be to the detriment to their health and safety."

Mr Esteves said the incident alluded to a wider cultural problem.

"Over half a dozen individuals at Montejinni Station had seen or were aware of the injuries suffered by this young worker, yet no one intervened and took him to the medical treatment he required," Mr Esteves said.

"If this is the prevailing culture in this industry, industry leaders need to examine this case and determine if this culture needs to change."

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