A Brisbane company director has been jailed for a year and fined $1 million over a workplace death.

Gary Lavin and his company Multi-Run Roofing have been found guilty of reckless conduct following the death of a 62-year-old roofer at a worksite in 2014.

Whareheera Keepa Te Amo died after a six-metre fall off a roof at the Wimmers soft drinks' Cooroy factory.

Judge Glen Cash found Mr Lavin chose not to erect safety rails at the site, which would have saved Mr Te Amo's life, as he was more motivated by saving money.

Mr Lavin and Multi-Run Roofing were contracted by his brother - Wimmers soft drinks co-owner, Peter Lavin.

The judge told the court that despite being paid $284,000 to complete the roofing job (including the safety rails), Gary Lavin chose not to fork out the $5,000 for proper safety.

“You've shown a flagrant disregard for proper safety methods, and were motivated by the desire to improve your and your company's financial position,” Judge Cash told the Maroochydore District Court.

“Your conduct was so serious you must serve a period of time in custody.

“The risk was significant to those on the live edge (edge of the roof), the margin for error was narrow, and any fall would have had tragic consequences.”

“You've shown a flagrant disregard for proper safety methods, and were motivated by the desire to improve your and your company's financial position.

“Your conduct was so serious you must serve a period of time in custody.

“The risk was significant to those on the live edge (edge of the roof), the margin for error was narrow, and any fall would have had tragic consequences.”

Gary Lavin was sentenced to a one-year jail term, suspended after four months, and his company received a $1 million fine, to be paid in six months.

Peter Lavin and his company Lavin Constructions will face charges in February.