2 Types Constructions Pty Ltd stands convicted and has been handed a penalty of $270,000 by the District Court of NSW, courtesy of legal proceedings initiated by SafeWork NSW. These developments came about due to a critical accident that took place at work on 19th April 2022. A tragic fall through an unguarded skylight onto a solid concrete floor from four metres above cost an unfortunate worker severe injuries – happening within a building refurbishment job being carried out in southern Sydney’s Kingsgrove.
It was under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) that 2 Types Constructions was held guilty for the offence of not adhering to their health and safety obligations towards their workers as per section 19(1) of the same Act. Detailed judgement against 2 Types Constructions can be found on the NSW Caselaw website.
However, 2 Types Constructions Pty Ltd still retains its right to challenge this sentence in court. Workers who feel worried or unsafe regarding workplace health and safety parameters can maintain anonymity while contacting SafeWork via a call to 13 10 50, or through the Speak Up Save Lives online platform.
In an effort to manage risks associated with working at elevated heights safely, business owners and the workforce can utilise a variety of resources available on the SafeWork NSW website. Life-saving work safety products such as WHS management systems, SWMS, and policies play a vital role here, including the Bluesafe WHS Management System designed to uphold high safety standards.
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer expresses her concern saying, “Falls from heightened areas are a main source of serious traumas and workplace fatalities in NSW, predominantly within the construction sector.” She goes on to emphasise, “SafeWork NSW urges all businesses to have sufficient measures in place to guarantee worker protection while performing tasks at heights.” Bluesafe SWMS is just one of those measures that can significantly help businesses to maintain and enforce the required safety standards.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/company-fined-$270,000-after-worker-falls-through-skylight
