Company Fined $46,683 for Failing to Ensure Correct WHS Practices

A roofing truss manufacturer must pay a $40,000 fine, as well as $6,683 in costs, for the lack of fall protection at a building site. The company recently pleaded guilty in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court for failing to ensure their worksite had an adequate Work Health and Safety system in place. 

A prime mover fitted with a loading crane was handling wooden roof trusses in a two-storey residential construction site. Whilst the trusses were being transported to the building, an employee climbed the frame to gain access to the first floor to undo the cranes’ chain sling. The employee, who did not have a safety harness on, sat on the chains as the crane operator lowered him down and placed him in the tray on the back of the truck. Whilst this was happening, a close bystander witnessing the incident, video recorded it, and reported it to WorkSafe. 

After an investigation of the incident, it was clear that the employees in this worksite were exposed to serious injury or death from a fall of over two metres, and that it was reasonably practicable for this company to ensure employees use a ladder to gain entry or exit the building’s first floor. 

To prevent your falls in your workplace, you can: 

·      Alleviate risks by doing all or most work from the ground or solid construction

·      Use a fall prevention device such as scaffolds, perimeter screens, guardrails, safety mesh or elevating work platforms

·      Use a fall arrest system such as a harness, catch platform or safety nets

·      Use a ladder 

For further information to ensure your workplace meets legal WHS requirements, contact Safe Industries Australia.