VIC metal fabrication subcontractor charged after worker fractures back in fall

A Victorian metal fabrication subcontractor has been charged with three breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker fractured his back in a fall from height at a Melbourne airport.

The man was working at the airport when he fell through a ceiling panel to the floor about four metres below. He was taken to hospital with severe spinal injuries following the incident in December 2021.

WorkSafe accuses the company of failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace, contrary to section 21(1) of the OHS Act. This kind of fall-from-height incident highlights the ongoing risk construction and fabrication workers face when working at elevated levels without adequate fall prevention controls.

The parties will appear in court today for a filing hearing.

Why Fall Prevention Matters in Metal Fabrication and Construction

Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injury across Australian construction sites. Effective health and safety systems must identify fall risk before work begins, particularly when subcontractors are engaged to carry out fabrication or installation tasks near fragile surfaces such as ceiling panels.

Employers have a legal duty to assess risk associated with working at height and implement controls that protect workers from falling through unstable or unsupported surfaces. This includes:

• Conducting thorough risk assessments before fabrication or installation work begins
• Providing edge protection, safety mesh, or fall arrest systems where fragile ceiling panels are present
• Ensuring workers receive adequate training on working at height and construction safety procedures
• Maintaining ongoing health and safety supervision throughout high-risk tasks

Businesses seeking guidance on strengthening site-based fall protection can review resources such as WorkSafe Victoria's official guidance on working at height in construction environments.

Supporting Safer Subcontractor Practices

Metal fabrication and construction subcontractors carry significant responsibility for maintaining safety standards on every job site, even when work is completed on behalf of a principal contractor. Robust documentation, including site management plans and welding-specific safety procedures, helps subcontractors demonstrate compliance and reduce risk exposure.

Businesses looking to strengthen their own systems may find value in reviewing an OHS subcontractor's site management plan or a dedicated construction fabrication and welding safety pack to support ongoing health and safety obligations across fabrication and steel-related trades.

Related Incidents

This case follows a pattern of similar prosecutions across Australia. Readers may also be interested in coverage of a Victorian building company charged after a worker's fatal fall, a WA companies case involving a worker's fatal fall, and a Victorian transport company charged after a worker's fatal fall.

Organisations wanting to build stronger contractor safety frameworks can also explore worker and contractor manuals covering policies and procedures relevant to construction and fabrication trades.

Full details here.