Construction Firm Charged After Serious Four-Metre Ladder Fall
19 Mar 2026•BlueSafe Team•Source: WorkSafe VIC
A Victorian construction company has been charged over an incident in which a 28‑year‑old worker fell nearly four metres while cutting a tree branch from an A‑frame ladder with a chainsaw.
A Victorian construction company is facing multiple charges following a serious incident in March 2024, when a 28-year-old worker fell almost four metres to the ground while attempting to cut a tree branch with a chainsaw from an A-frame ladder.
IntraAust Properties Pty Ltd has been charged with four alleged breaches of section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, relating to its duty to provide and maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.
WorkSafe Victoria alleges the company twice contravened section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act by failing to engage a suitably qualified arborist or tree removal specialist for the task, and by not providing safer plant or equipment such as a temporary work platform or a telescopic long-reach chainsaw for employees.
It is further alleged the company breached regulation 44(2) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations by failing to control the risk of a fall through the use of a passive fall prevention device, such as an appropriate elevated work platform or other engineered control.
In addition, WorkSafe alleges a breach of regulation 327(1)(a) of the OHS Regulations for failing to prepare a safe work method statement (SWMS) for the high-risk construction work being performed. Robust SWMS and integrated WHS management systems are critical in identifying hazards, documenting controls and ensuring workers follow safe procedures when using ladders, chainsaws and working at height. Organisations can strengthen their approach through documented WHS policies and procedures, such as those available at Bluesafe Policies & Procedures.
The company also faces two additional charges under section 26(1) of the OHS Act, which relates to the duty of a person who has management or control of a workplace to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the workplace is safe and without risks to health.
The matter is listed for a filing hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 20 March 2026.
Media enquiries can be directed to WorkSafe Victoria via email at media@worksafe.vic.gov.au or by phone on 0438 786 968.