F.K. Gardner Pty Ltd

Incident description:

A carpenter sustained fatal injuries while working on a construction site when a co-worker lifted an unsecured plywood cover from the floor. Shortly after, the carpenter fell 2.2 metres through the opening.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The investigation found the plywood cover was not secured. The defendant had identified the risk of falling through the hole but had not implemented effective engineering controls to minimize or isolate the risk. The ply only had the words 'Keep Off' painted on it.

Court result:

The defendant was found guilty and fined $60,000. No conviction was recorded.

Considerations for prevention:

Obligation holders need to consider the effectiveness of controls, including the potential for them to be changed by other people without the obligation holder's knowledge. Fixing the ply to the floor over the hole would have minimised the risk of the ply being removed.

Visit the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website for more information on:

• what's included in a work method statement or which work activities require them
• conducting risk assessments
• implementing controls or evaluating or monitoring them, and
• construction guide.