Builder fined $70,000 after carpenter falls through unsupported floor

The Melbourne Magistrates' Court sentenced the company ex-parte on Wednesday 27 November after finding it guilty of one charge of failing to provide a safe workplace. Caelli was also ordered to pay $7,317 in costs.

The court heard Caelli had been subcontracted to carry out work on the cancer centre. In February 2023, one of its carpenters was marking out formwork on a mezzanine level when the plywood floor beneath him collapsed. He fell and became lodged in scaffolding below.

WorkSafe's investigation established that beams supporting the plywood formwork had been removed. Without the scaffolding, the carpenter could have fallen two levels to the ground. He was taken to hospital for scans but suffered no serious injuries.

The court found Caelli could reasonably have ensured the mezzanine flooring was supported by joists or beams. Alternatively, it could have introduced a process requiring inspections for unsupported flooring, along with signs prohibiting access to those areas.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said construction remained one of Victoria's most dangerous industries, particularly because of falls risks.

"It's an employer's legal duty to put in place appropriate risk control measures, and those who fail to do so will face the consequences," Mr Jenkin said.

"This worker was extremely lucky to escape serious injury, but incidents like this often end in tragedy and having the right measures in place can literally be the difference between life and death."

How Blue Safe can help: Our free SWMS tool can help you document fall hazards and risk controls for high-risk construction work, including formwork. Create a free SWMS