NSW roofing company fined after worker falls

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A NSW roofing company was recently sentenced for construction safety violations after a worker suffered serious injuries in a roof fall near Wollongong in 2020.

Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann said the company was fined $300,000 in the NSW District Court for failing to keep workers safe, following a thorough safety investigation into the incident.

"The 25-year-old was fitting guttering to the building when he stepped through a gap and fell about 6.8 metres to the concrete slab below," Ms Mann said.

"From March 2020 onwards, the company changed the way they installed guttering which meant workers left gaps along the length of the guttering where the sumps were to be installed," creating a significant fall risk on site.

Why Construction Safety Standards Matter

This case highlights how quickly a construction risk can turn into a life-altering incident when proper safety measures aren't followed. Roofing and guttering work carries inherent risk, and businesses must implement robust falls management plans to protect their crews.

Construction companies have a legal and moral obligation to identify hazards before they escalate into injuries. Regular safety audits, clear guttering installation procedures, and proper use of fall-prevention equipment all reduce risk substantially on construction sites.

Lessons for Construction Businesses

Similar incidents continue to occur across the construction sector. A New Zealand roofing company was also fined after a teenage worker fell through a skylight, while a WA landscaping firm faced penalties after a worker fell through a roof. These cases reinforce why construction safety cannot be treated as an afterthought.

Employers should consider the following to minimise risk on construction projects:

• Conduct regular safety inspections before and during roofing work
• Ensure workers are trained in safe guttering and sump installation procedures
• Use appropriate fall-arrest systems and edge protection
• Review and update safety procedures whenever installation methods change

Failing to manage construction risk appropriately doesn't just endanger workers — it also exposes companies to substantial fines and reputational damage, as demonstrated by this case and others like the VIC company fined after a worker's hand was crushed in machinery.

Building a Stronger Safety Culture

SafeWork NSW's enforcement action serves as a clear reminder that construction safety obligations extend to every stage of a project, including changes in work methods. Businesses seeking to strengthen their approach can review resources such as the Falls Prevention Checklist or update their worker contractor manuals to reflect current best practice.

Ultimately, protecting workers from preventable falls requires ongoing commitment, not just compliance after an incident occurs. Prioritising safety at every stage of construction work remains the most effective way to reduce risk and prevent tragedies like this one.

Read more here.

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