Victor Harbor shed company fined after worker injured in roof plunge

Victor Harbor shed company fined after worker injured in roof plunge

The South Australian Employment Tribunal has sentenced a shed company following an incident in which a worker suffered serious injuries after plunging through a roof. This case highlights ongoing safety risks tied to plant and equipment used during roofing tasks across the construction industry.

The worker sustained multiple injuries after falling through a shed roof, more than 3 metres onto a concrete floor, in October 2021. Such incidents underline why workplace health protections around elevated plant remain critical for every roofing company and site supervisor.

Fine reduced following tribunal review

The Victor Harbor company was fined $90,000 after a SafeWork SA investigation found breaches of health and safety regulations. SafeWork SA's findings pointed to inadequate controls around hazardous roof work, exposing employees to unnecessary risk.

The tribunal had initially imposed a fine of $150,000, though this was later reduced to $90,000 upon review. Cases like this echo other recent rulings, including the SA salt harvesting company fined after a young worker was seriously injured, where similar gaps in risk management were identified.

Fall-related injuries remain a persistent risk

SafeWork SA data indicates 77 workers were seriously injured in fall-related incidents during 2022 alone. These figures reinforce why robust safety systems, proper plant maintenance, and hazardous work assessments must remain central to any roofing or shed construction operation.

Comparable incidents, such as the NSW roofing company fined after a worker falls and the WA landscaping firm fined after a worker falls through a roof, demonstrate that fall-related risk spans multiple states and industries, not just shed manufacturing.

Strengthening safety practices on site

Employers can reduce risk by ensuring every roof plumber and site worker follows documented safety procedures before accessing elevated plant. Regular health checks, hazard identification, and clear supervision protocols are essential components of a compliant workplace.

Businesses seeking to strengthen their safety documentation may benefit from reviewing resources like SafetyDocs' worker and contractor manuals, which support consistent health and safety practices across contracting teams.

More information is available here.