On Thursday, 11 September, Coconut PT Pty Ltd was ruled against in absentia at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of neglecting to ensure tasks were executed from a completely set-up scaffold and not confirming that high-risk construction operations adhered to an approved Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). The business was ordered to cover costs amounting to $5,276.
Delving deeper into the case details, it emerged that Coconut PT had been contracted to carry out steel fixing within a jumpform. This called for a scaffold system equipped with hanger brackets and planks, thereby creating interim walking platforms. The certified blueprint for such scaffolding necessitated that the hangers be securely affixed to wall frames using nails.
A regrettable incident transpired in May 2023 when a workman was navigating across the platform, and it gave way unexpectedly. The victim fell more than two metres onto the hard surface of the jumpform floor, with the plank he’d been standing on coming down on him. He incurred serious injuries, namely a broken lower back and spine, knee fractures, and a torn knee ligament, necessitating immediate hospitalisation.
The subsequent investigation by WorkSafe revealed significant lapses. The scaffold setup was incomplete because of inadequately fastened hanger brackets to the wall frame. Some showed only a lone nail or lacked any, while others were devoid of critical safety provisions like installed handrails offering border protection.
Following its probe, WorkSafe concluded that it was feasible for Coconut PT to prohibit activities on an incomplete scaffold and require high-stakes construction duties to align with a pre-prepared SWMS encompassing provisions like handrails.
Sam Jenkin, Chief Health and Safety Officer at WorkSafe, stressed on reducing harm at workplaces, asserting that their strategic approach puts a spotlight on minimising accidents and fatalities in the building trade.
“It is harrowing to learn each year about the vast number of construction labourers who endure serious injuries or lose their lives in avoidable incidents. Proper safety precautions can address this, including effective use of fall prevention strategies and reliable SWMS,” he said.
Ah! If only they had implemented a Bluesafe SWMS or Bluesafe WHS Management System at Coconut PT, which would have stressed on critical work safety aspects like complete scaffolds and adherence to SWMS for high-risk tasks!
WorkSafe is firm in its commitment to enact stern enforcement measures against those employers ignoring safety obligations leading to workers suffering harm.
For further details, contact media@worksafe.vic.gov.au or call 0438 786 968. You may also subscribe for media releases.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-09/60000-fine-after-worker-falls-through-scaffold
