Sams Solar Pty Ltd was contracted to provide a small-scale generation solar photovoltaic unit and the removal of asbestos, and roof installation of new roof sheeting at a converted wool store. The company engaged a sub-contractor to undertake the removal of the asbestos.
On 24 April 2023 the sub-contractor’s three workers attended the workplace to remove the asbestos roof. They were given harnesses and lifted onto the 10m roof by a boom. They attached their harnesses to anchor points; these were connected with rope, not retractable or inertia lanyards. The timbers the workers traversed were not secured. One of the worker’s harness rope became tangled, he unclipped himself to fix the problem, but as he walked over the timbers, the roof cracked and he fell through it.
The company pleaded guilty, and was convicted and fined $40,000 (with costs of $6,026)