Wrigley Metal Roofing Co Pty Ltd, a prominent New South Wales metal roofing company, has faced a significant penalty amounting to AUD 225,000 imposed by the District Court of NSW. The fine came as a consequence of a serious accident at their worksite, prosecuted by SafeWork NSW.
The unfortunate incident happened on 25 July 2022 when an employee fell nearly 3.8 metres from a rooftop during a residential project, leading to severe injuries. Wrigley Metal Roofing Co Pty Ltd was engaged in a crucial role by the lead contractor at the construction site located in Avalon Beach, New South Wales; where they were assigned re-cladding and re-sheeting tasks.
Wrigley Metal Roofing acknowledged their fault with a guilty plea for the offence under Section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) on grounds of having failed to uphold its health and safety duties to its employees, as outlined in Section 19(1) of the same Act. Details pertaining to the judgement against Wrigley Metal Roofing Co Pty Ltd can be reviewed on the official NSW Caselaw website. The company retains the right to appeal the sentence.
Fall-related accidents remain a major source of acute injuries and deaths in New South Wales workplaces, predominantly among those associated with the construction sector. Hence, SafeWork NSW is steadfastly focusing on ensuring worker safety when working at elevations, making it a top priority in their 2025-26 regulatory plans to mitigate threats of fatal accidents, injuries, and illnesses in NSW workplaces.
More details on practising safe work at heights can be accessed at the SafeWork NSW portal.
Commissioner Janet Schorer of SafeWork had pertinent insights about these prevalent accidents, assessing them as dominant contributors to traumatic injuries and deaths in NSW workplaces. She emphasized that SafeWork NSW remains resolute in aiding industries and workplaces to safeguard their heights-engaged employees and encouraged businesses who have workers operating at heights to take proactive strides towards safety by completing the ‘working at heights in construction safety checklist’.
Empowering companies with tools like the Bluesafe SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements) or the comprehensive Bluesafe WHS Management System can significantly enhance workplace safety. By leveraging such systems, organisations can foster a culture of safety, fulfilling their duties under work health and safety laws, thereby ensuring an optimal work environment.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/company-fined-$225,000-after-worker-injured-in-a-fall
