Company fined $150,000 after lift shaft fall injures three workers

The incident occurred on 7 June 2022 while a worker was using a rattle gun to undo bolts and connect vertical columns for removal by a crane. He fell about five metres from a temporary platform inside a lift shaft, landing on two colleagues below.

The worker was not using a fall protection system. He suffered multiple rib fractures, a laceration to his left kidney, an injury to his left shoulder and a fractured left wrist. One colleague sustained a soft tissue injury to his left shoulder, while the other suffered minor injuries.

BKH Contractors pleaded guilty to an offence under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), having failed to comply with its duty under section 19(1). The company has the right to appeal its sentence, and the full judgment is available on the NSW Caselaw website.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said falls from heights were a primary cause of traumatic injuries and deaths in NSW workplaces. She also reminded businesses of their duty to protect workers undertaking work at heights.

Workers can raise workplace health and safety concerns anonymously with SafeWork on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives website. Resources for business owners and workers on managing work-at-height risks are available on the SafeWork NSW website.

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