View Training Dates for Your City

Filter By

  • No scheduled courses - please call us to discuss your requirements

A Western Australian construction company has received a fine of $65,000 for failing to address substandard construction site safety procedures that resulted in the death of a worker.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 31, when the individual in question fell through a skylight in the roof of a shed, dropping seven metres to the floor and suffering fatal injuries.

The man was working in a team responsible for installing wall cladding and roof sheeting on the structure. He was moving across the roof to retrieve some screws when he stepped onto a polycarbonate sheet that gave way.

WorkSafe WA is reporting that no wire safety mesh or edge protection had been installed on the shed. The company also failed to provide those working on the roof with safety harnesses.

According to WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch, falls are “a significant cause of workplace death” in Western Australia, and also contribute to a number of serious and permanent injuries on construction sites in the state.

“It’s really disappointing that employers and persons in control of workplaces are still neglecting to protect workers against falls from height when falls are so easily preventable and it need not be difficult or costly to ensure that safe systems of work are in place,” said Mr McCulloch.

Mr McCulloch described the incident as “a tragedy waiting to happen”. Although the construction company made moves to improve worker safety following the incident – including buying safety mesh and harnesses – that investment came too late to prevent this regrettable death.

“I urge any person or entity in control of a workplace that presents a risk of falls to ensure safe systems of work are in place and that this code is available in the workplace at all times,” he said.

Latest OHS news

Paralympians inspire safety at work [VIDEO]

Transcript Working at heights training and other OHS programs are vital for reducing the risk of injuries in Australian workplaces. A fall from height can often result in serious injuries, such ...

Read more

Are you ready for Safe Work Australia Month? [VIDEO]

Transcript We all know how important occupational health and safety strategies are in Australian workplaces. In an effort to boost awareness and encourage more businesses to adopt these life-sav...

Read more

Third annual Mesothelioma Registry released [VIDEO]

Transcript Asbestos exposure is a very serious problem in Australia, with people in a range of occupations facing potential contact with this deadly material during the course of their employmen...

Read more

WHS News Recap – WHS obligations [VIDEO]

Transcript When dealing with work health and safety in the workplace, it is vital that you understand your obligations as a manager, director or officer. The recent changes to the Work Health...

Read more

Testimonials

“In over 20 years of training, this was one of the best courses I’ve ever attended.”

Queensland Rail

“Great! The instructor made it interesting and enjoyable”

Leighton Contractors

” We heard that AlertForce delivers one of the best courses around so the boss decided to send me to Australia from New Zealand.”

Participant Public Course

“I liked the trainer’s positive outlook and uplifting approach towards completing the long day.”

Visionstream

“Very competent training course. Trainer was very knowledgeable on subject.”

Servicestream

“AlertForce provided an excellent trainer,  knowledgeable on the topic and allowed for active questioning.”

DHS

“Informative and concise training delivered at the right pace.”

AFMA.gov.au

“The Trainer was very engaging”

Fair Work Commission

“Interesting, informative, relevant.”

Airservices Australia

Payments & Security

Awards & Accreditations

Make an Enquiry:

Google Rating
4.5
Total Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 696 reviews
×