Charges Laid After Fatal Construction Site Fall

This is an abridgement of an article posted by WorkSafe Queensland.

WorkSafe Victoria has charged a carpenter and a residential construction company. This was due to the death of a 23-year-old worker, who fell three metres through an unprotected stair void at a building site in Glen Waverley back in September 2022.

The worker was erecting roof trusses on the first floor when the tragic incident occurred. The incident resulted in critical injuries from which he later passed away whilst still in hospital.

Both companies involved are each facing charges under section 26(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure the workplace was safe and without risks to health. WorkSafe Victoria alleges both parties had failed to adequately control the risk of falls from height.

One company is also facing a separate charge under regulation 327(1)(a) of the OHS Regulations for not preparing a safe work method statement before conducting high-risk construction work.

The case is scheduled for a committal mention at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 25 November 2024. This outlines the importance of putting safety control measures in place and following correct safe work methods.

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