In May 2019, Valmont, a construction company specializing in office fit-outs, undertook a significant project to convert the second level of a multistorey car park in Sunshine into office space. The project involved critical structural modifications, including the removal of a carpark ramp and the installation of steel formwork, concluding in a concrete pour scheduled for July 27, 2019.
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Despite its established practice of conducting pre-pour inspections, Valmont failed to arrange for an engineer to assess the formwork before the pour. On the morning of July 27, as the pour commenced, the formwork collapsed, resulting in three workers—none of whom were Valmont employees—falling over two meters to the ground below. Two workers required immediate hospital attention, while the third sought treatment the following day due to worsening symptoms.
WorkSafe inspectors issued improvement notices to Valmont, citing the absence of a pre-pour inspection report, which could have identified structural deficiencies.
Following a contested hearing, the Court found Valmont guilty of two safety offences but noted the company’s previously good safety practices and lack of prior convictions.
Valmont was fined $125,000, along with costs, without a recorded conviction. This incident highlights the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols and pre-emptive measures in construction to protect workers and prevent workplace injuries.
Read more: Prosecution Result Summaries and Enforceable Undertakings | WorkSafe Victoria