$100,000 penalty for failing to undertake risk assessment
In October 2011, John Holland Pty Ltd (John Holland) commenced construction of the C3 Cross Passage Tunnel on the Airport Link Tunnel Project in Brisbane.
Case Law
Victorian company fined $50,000 after explosion
On 26 March 2013 an explosion occurred at a mushroom-growing business while a room was being sterilised. The mushroom-growing process required sterilisation of the growing room through a process known as a ‘burn-out’.
18-year-old trade assistant electrocuted
An 18-year-old was electrocuted and killed on 8 February 2013 while working as a trade assistant to a licensed electrician.
Business fined $90,000 for failing to conduct a risk assessment
Linfox Australia was engaged to provide warehousing services to Ikea Distribution Services Australia. A worker sustained significant crush injuries when he was struck by a forklift at the worksite.
Failure to enforce safe systems of work
IKC Sheds carries out steel manufacturing, including manufacturing steel sheds. On 30 August 2012, a worker suffered injuries when he fell through the roof of a shed he was working on.
Worker suffers burn injuries
Siva & Jeya Pty Ltd operated a restaurant that used bain-maries to keep food warm (the trays are heated with methylated spirits stored in a burner underneath). On 1 January 2011, the vapours of the methylated spirits ignited when a worker attempted to refill the burner, causing an explosion.
Invalid assessment by a medical practitioner
A 47-year-old coal mine worker was employed by Watpac. The worker’s primary role was to operate heavy machinery at the coal mine. While working at the mine, the worker suffered a whiplash injury.
Failure to protect a third party from a fall risk
In the course of constructing a multi-unit residential project for Shangri-La Construction, the crane crew was loading a pack of prefabricated beams from the west side to the east side of the first floor.
Failure to properly maintain equipment
Hungry Jacks operated a fast food restaurant in SA that used deep fryers. Deep fryers had to be cleaned with a mobile filtration unit if their internal filtration process was not operating.
Worker seriously injured in drum explosion
On 13 January 2014, a subcontracted welder and fabricator was using an angle grinder to cut the top off two 205-litre drums. He successfully cut the top off the first drum, but while cutting the top off the second drum there was an explosion and he was thrown backwards into a tool rack.
Failure to ensure the safety of machinery
In the Geelong Magistrates Court, a worker had a finger severed while unblocking a cheese-shredding machine. While cleaning the machine, the worker slipped and accidentally knocked the operating switch.
Failure to adequately supervise workers
One worker was killed and other workers were seriously injured when they were struck by a rail panel while it was being installed. The workers were put at risk while installing the rail panels due to MVM Rail’s failure to provide its workers with adequate supervision.
Powers of health and safety inspectors
A departmental inspector, appointed under the Mine Health and Safety Act 2004 (NSW) and the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Act 2013 (NSW), was investigating the death of a Hunter Quarries employee
Failure to ensure workers are properly trained
On 28 May 2011, an employee fell approximately 40 metres when the mast of a piling rig collapsed. The builder had engaged the company Frankipile to undertake piling work associated with building foundations at the site.
Failure to protect against a fall risk
On 26 July 2012, a 29-year-old worker sustained injuries to both arms when he fell from a 2.6 metre-high diesel tank where he was performing work. The worker was asked to remove the platform and ladder attached to the tank.