The Case

WorkSafe Queensland v Mr Mark Nelson Bishop (2023)

Mr Bishop, a partner of a small concreting business, was performing concreting work at his friend’s home. Mr Bishop was using a bobcat to level out the work area by reversing with a levelling bar attached to the bottom of the bucket. Usually, this would trigger a flashing rear reverse light and alarm for safety. At the time of the incident, neither the reverse light nor the alarm was functioning.

After having a brief chat with his friend, Mr Bishop continued to operate the bobcat, as he thought that his friend had walked towards the house. Mr Bishop then reversed the bobcat without looking behind him and drove over his friend. His friend passed away in hospital later that day.

Mr Bishop pleaded guilty to the charge that he had failed to ensure, so far as was
reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of other persons was not put at risk from work carried out as part of his business.