Melbourne builder penalised for exposing workers to fall risks

Fines totalling $80,000 have been imposed on a Melbourne builder after being found guilty of failing to provide adequate fall protection, including for work conducted at heights exceeding 10 meters.

Following a guilty verdict on four charges of failing to ensure a safe work environment, the company received a sentence in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 8 February.

The company was ordered to pay $20,000 for each of three charges concerning failure to mitigate the risks of falling from a height, and an additional $20,000 for conducting high-risk construction work without a safe work method statement (SWMS).

Moreover, the builder was instructed to cover $6,211 in costs.

Read more here.