Builder enters estimated $218,000 safety undertaking

The Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard on Wednesday 4 February that Westurban had entered into the undertaking while facing three charges of failing to provide and maintain a working environment that was safe and without risks to health. WorkSafe may reinstate the charges if the undertaking is contravened or withdrawn.

Westurban was the principal contractor for the construction of four townhouses. It engaged various contractors to carry out the work alongside its employees.

During a visit in June 2023, WorkSafe inspectors observed work close to an unprotected live edge with no fall protection measures in place. They issued an improvement notice.

Inspectors also issued improvement notices over unsafe access to the upper floors of the townhouses and slip, trip and fall risks associated with rubbish and construction debris. The notices were subsequently complied with.

WorkSafe alleges Westurban failed to eliminate or reduce risks to workers through the use of a passive fall prevention device, such as scaffolding, and by ensuring access to the first floor was only via a secured ladder.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said principal contractors had a critical role in protecting everyone working on a construction site. "While employees and contractors have obligations to protect both themselves and others, they rely on systems and processes being in place for their health and safety," Mr Jenkin said.

"Falls from height in particular continue to cause needless tragedy in construction so it's encouraging to see meaningful steps have been taken since our intervention to prevent harm on this site and across the wider industry."

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