Sign-writing company charged over fatal wall collapse

The court decision to convict and fine a Melbourne sign-writing company $250,000 over its role in a wall collapse in Swanston Street in 2013, which killed three pedestrians, reflects the serious nature of the charge, said WorkSafe Victoria.

Aussie Signs Pty Ltd allegedly pleaded guilty to one charge of breaching S23 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 as it failed to ensure people were not exposed to health and safety risks as a result of its work.

The company pleaded guilty over its installation of the timber hoarding to the wall, which increased the risk of its collapse.

According to WorkSafe, in November 2014 Grocon (Victoria Street) Pty Ltd, the developer of the former CUB site, was convicted and fined $250,000 after pleading guilty to one charge in that it failed to ensure that a workplace it managed or controlled was safe and without risks.

In a previous company statement, Grocon had said the investigation, however, had made it clear that Grocon’s conduct did not cause the wall to collapse.

“While WorkSafe does not allege that the relevant breach caused the wall to collapse, this process has identified areas in which we, and the industry as a whole, can improve our procedures to ensure the safety of the public, and our employees, is further protected, including on vacant sites,” said Grocon Executive Chairman Daniel Grollo.

“Our deepest sympathies remain with the families of the three young people who lost their lives. We are committed to doing our part to ensure that this matter can be brought to a conclusion in consideration of all of the people affected by this tragedy.”

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Marnie Williams said the recent court outcome for Aussie Signs was a warning to all employers that they had clear responsibilities to the public as well as their employees.

“Every employer has to assume their responsibility for safety at a workplace. As we now know, a disregard for safety can lead to devastating and far-reaching consequences,” she said.