Blint Builders, a residential building company, has been found guilty of failing to address fall from height risks and failing to produce requested documents during an investigation by WorkSafe.
The incident occurred when Alpha Air, engaged by Blint Builders, was installing air conditioning units on the roof of a residential construction site.
Two Alpha Air employees used a crane to lift air conditioning units onto a flat roof for installation. However, due to a construction error, the units were placed at the rear of the roof instead of the intended centre.
The project manager, who had completed a Safe Work Method Statement but did not wear a harness due to the lack of anchor points on the roof, used a trolley (not typically used) to move the units into position. During the process, the second unit started tipping, causing the project manager to fall approximately 6 meters from the roof.
The unit also fell, landing near the injured person and releasing gas that caused burns to 25% of their chest, leg, and arm, as well as broken bones in both feet, a leg, and knee damage. The injured person was subsequently hospitalized.
WorkSafe inspectors issued improvement notices to both Blint Builders and Alpha Air, which were subsequently complied with. However, Blint Builders failed to produce requested documents and subsequently went into liquidation.
The court found Blint Builders guilty and imposed a fine of $20,000.00, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses, lack of cooperation, and the need for general deterrence and denunciation.
