Worker's fall from roof lands companies $590K in fines

As a result of a prosecution by SafeWork NSW, two companies have been convicted and fined $320,000 and $270,000, respectively. These proceedings arose from an incident on 22 May 2021 in which a worker suffered serious injuries tripping on a skylight and falling about 10 metres while cleaning a roof above a retail store.

The first company pleaded guilty to two offences pursuant to section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, one for failing to comply with its duty to workers under section 19(1), and one for failing to comply with its duty to ensure a workplace is without risk to health and safety under section 20(2) of the Act.

The second company pleaded guilty to an offence pursuant to section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for failing to comply with its duty to workers under section 19(1) of the Act. Both companies have the right to appeal against their sentences.

“Falls from heights are a primary cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities at NSW workplaces,” SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said. “SafeWork NSW reminds all businesses of their duty to ensure their workers are protected when working at heights.”

The full judgment can be read here, on the NSW Caselaw website.

SafeWork NSW resources to help manage the risks of working from heights can be found here.

Image credit: iStock.com/batuhan toker. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.