The Case

WorkSafe Victoria v Valmont (Vic) Pty Ltd (2024)

A construction company was engaged to convert the second level of a car park into an office space. This work required filling in the gap between the levels with concrete. Despite its usual practice, on this occasion the company did not engage an engineer or building surveyor to inspect the formwork before beginning the concrete pour. The company also did not obtain a written inspection report certifying that the formwork was structurally sound to support the concrete pour.

During the work, part of the formwork failed and three workers, who were not employees of the company, fell from a height of more than 2 metres to the level 1 car park below. They suffered injuries as a result of the fall.