Metal fabrication subcontractor, Karagata Australia has been convicted and fined $35,000 after a worker fell four meters at Tullamarine, sustaining serious spinal injuries.
The company pleaded guilty to failing to maintain a safe working environment.
The incident occurred while workers were installing a mesh walkway at Melbourne Airport in December 2021. The worker fell through a ceiling panel onto the floor below when an aluminium plank overturned.
WorkSafe's investigation found that the company had failed to eliminate or control the risk of a fall by not using a fall arrest system, such as a crash deck.
The court heard that it was reasonably practicable for the company to have had a Safe Work Method Statement detailing measures to control the risk of falling and ensure high-risk construction work was carried out accordingly.
Source: WorkSafe Victoria