Companies fined over workers deaths

Two companies were fined a total of $1.5 million in the Supreme Court last week over a workplace fatality at a Melbourneconstruction sitein 2011.

The two construction companies were found guilty in 2015 and fined a combined total of $450,000 in the Melbourne County Court. The Court of Appeals fine increased the fine to $750,000 for each business following an appeal from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The court found that the companies failed to provide safe systems of work, and failed to provide appropriate instruction, supervision and training.

In May 2011, a worker fell 40 metres when the mast of a Fundex F3500 Piling Rig collapsed. The 30-year-old dogman suffered fatal injuries.

Marnie Williams, WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, said construction was one of the most high-risk industries in Victoria.

“The constantly changing nature of construction work distinguishes it from other types of work,” said Ms. Williams.

“Construction is a high-risk industry and ensuring the appropriate procedures, induction, training and supervision are provided is a fundamental obligation for all employers. There is absolutely no excuse – workers should always receive that support and never be left to just ‘work things out’.”

Author:             Haydee

Source          www.safetyculture.com.au