Today, in the Melbourne County Court, Big Basa Constructions’ sole trader, aged 29, was ordered without conviction after acknowledging his failure to ensure that his workplace was safe and risk-free. He received a penalty of $10,000 fine and 100 hours of community service.
It was reported that he employed a young worker of 23 years old to assist in constructing frames and setting up roof trusses for multi-storey townhouses. Unfortunately, during September 2022, the junior worker experienced a fatal fall through an open stair void while handling lengths of steel on the first floor. The accident resulted in serious head injuries, and despite being rushed to the hospital, he later died.
Following this tragic incident, a WorkSafe investigation revealed that there were no guardrails set up around stair voids, and the ladder in use unfortunately didn’t reach past the first level. These risk factors could have been mitigated using thorough WHS management systems like Bluesafe SWMS or Bluesafe WHS Management System. Such preventative measures would have included installing guardrails around the construction areas and using a properly fastened ladder that exceeded the first floor by at least 90 centimetres.
Top Health and Safety Officer at WorkSafe, Sam Jenkin, voiced his disapproval concerning ongoing fatal falls from significant heights at workplaces. He commented, “Knowing that a young worker’s life devastatingly ended due to a preventable fall is both shocking and heartbreaking.”
It’s essential to remember that ignoring standard safety controls and measures, including SWMS and policies, often leads to severe repercussions. Principal contractor Pearl Construction Group Pty Ltd, also involved in this incident, is set to face charges in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on December 8, 2025.
Every employer must establish stringent safety measures at their workplaces to preclude such mishaps. Organisations can look into adopting high-tier controls from the five-level hierarchy of controls. It’s crucial to utilise work safety products like Bluesafe SWMS and Bluesafe WHS Management System to ensure a safe, risk-free working environment.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-08/sole-trader-sentenced-corrections-order-after-fatal-fall
