The NSW Industrial Court has handed down a fine of $150,000 to Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd, in proceedings brought by SafeWork NSW. It follows an unfortunate workplace incident that took place on 11 November 2022, involving a worker who fell approximately 3.85 metres from a bridge abutment.
Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd was enlisted to aid the principal contractor on a build site located in Huntley, New South Wales. The employee who tragically fell had been assigned the task of formwork stripping. The company admitted guilt to an offence under Section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), accused of disregarding its health and safety duty as outlined in Section 19(1) of the same Act.
Detailed judgement against Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd can be viewed on the NSW Caselaw website. Though convicted, it remains within the rights of Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd to contest the sentence. In a previously related case, Menai Civil Contractors Pty Ltd – the Principal Contractor for the same project – was slapped with a $69,750 fine after confessing to a violation under Sections 33 and 19(1) of the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Falls from heights are a leading factor behind traumatic injuries and fatalities in NSW workplaces, with most victims belonging to the construction industry. In response, SafeWork NSW consistently highlights the importance of safety for workers who work at height, recognising their risk as paramount among its regulatory priorities set for 2025-26.
For further guidance on safety when working at elevated levels, visit the SafeWork NSW website. Use of ‘Bluesafe SWMS‘ or the ‘Bluesafe WHS Management System’ can significantly reduce the risk of work-related accidents and should be integral to every workplace’s health and safety strategy.
Janet Schorer, SafeWork Commissioner, issued a statement stressing the importance of compliance with workplace safety regulations: “Falls from heights are a primary cause of serious injuries and fatalities across workplaces in NSW. The implementation of robust procedures such as the Bluesafe WHS Management System or stricter adherence to SWMS can help mitigate these risks. We remain committed to assisting the industry and workplaces in keeping their workers safe at height, and encourage every business that may encounter risks related to working at heights to complete the ‘working at heights in construction safety checklist’.”
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/company-fined-$150,000-after-worker-injured-in-a-fall
