SafeWork NSW v Yoorooga Holding Pty Ltd T/A Wallacia Hotel (2015)

Facts

In February 2013, a bottle shop worker fell through an open trapdoor when working at the Wallacia Hotel in NSW. She suffered multiple injuries, including injuries to her feet, which required surgery.

At the time of the incident, the employer had failed to place barriers or warning signs around the trapdoor to prevent people from entering the area while the trapdoor was open.

Judgment

The employer was fined $150,000 for the safety breach. The risk of injury was obvious and simple measures could have been taken to reduce the risk.

Lessons

This case demonstrates the importance of having safe systems of work in place, particularly for obvious risks and when workers are regularly exposed to injury.

Please note: Case law is reported as correct and current at time of publishing. Be aware that cases in lower courts may be appealed and decisions subsequently overturned.