$168K+ fine after worker falls attaching shade sail to 5.5 m pole

An individual has been convicted and fined in the District Court of NSW over an incident in which a worker attaching a shade sail to a pole 5.5 metres in height sustained serious injuries in a fall.

The individual pleaded guilty to an offence pursuant to section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 relating to exposing a worker to a risk of death or serious injury, where the individual owed the worker a health and safety duty under section 19(1) of the Act.

“Falls from heights are a primary cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities in NSW workplaces,” SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said. “Preventing injuries caused by a fall is an area for action in SafeWork NSW’s regulatory priorities this year.

“SafeWork NSW reminds all businesses of their duty to ensure their workers are protected when working at heights.” The individual has the right to appeal against his sentence. You can read the full judgement against the defendant here, on the NSW Caselaw website.

Business owners and workers can access a range of resources to help manage the risks of working from heights here, on the SafeWork NSW website. Workers who have concerns about WHS can anonymously contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives website, SafeWork NSW advised.

Image credit: iStock.com/John Wallace. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.