WA companies charged after worker’s fatal fall

Two companies have been charged after a 23-year-old apprentice plunged 20 metres to his death at a Perth construction site in 2020, marking a serious failure in workplace fall protection systems.

WorkSafe has charged a steel fabrication company for failing to ensure the safety and health of non-employees, thus causing the death of an apprentice carpenter and serious harm to a fellow worker. This incident highlights the critical need for robust height safety management across construction sites, similar to circumstances outlined in the Vic building company charged after worker's fatal fall case.

WorkSafe has also charged a roofing company with failing to ensure the safety and health of people who were not employees. The company faces a maximum fine of $1.5 million, underscoring the significant penalties tied to inadequate risk management systems.

The companies have been charged under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 because the incident happened before introduction of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020. Businesses working at height on construction projects must maintain compliant management systems regardless of which act governs their site.

Why Height Management Systems Matter on Construction Sites

Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death across construction and roofing industries. Effective management systems help identify hazards before work commences, reducing the likelihood of a fatal fall.

Companies working at height carry a duty to non-employees as well as staff. This duty extends to apprentices, subcontractors and hire equipment providers present on site, as seen in the Victorian transport company charged after worker's fatal fall matter.

Key elements of sound height management systems include:

• Documented risk assessments for all work conducted above ground level
• Clear identification of fall hazards specific to each construction task
• Verification that fall protection equipment meets required health and safety standards
• Ongoing supervision to confirm systems remain effective throughout a project

Lessons for Businesses Managing Height Risks

Construction and roofing businesses should review existing management systems regularly to confirm they address current site hazards. A comparable outcome occurred in the Monbulk nursery sentenced after worker's fatal fall from roof case, reinforcing that roof work carries persistent fall hazards requiring diligent oversight.

Robust worker contractor arrangements also form part of a strong safety framework. Reviewing documented worker contractor manuals helps businesses clarify responsibilities between principal contractors and subcontracted trades working at height.

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