Metropolitan Building Solutions Pty Ltd
Incident description:
A third year apprentice was standing timber roof trusses on the garage of a domestic house. The apprentice was standing on an aluminum plank that was situated between the top plate of the garage and the bottom chord of the truss. As the apprentice was fixing the hip ends to the truss, the truss fell over and the apprentice fell to the ground, injuring his right ankle.
Investigation findings:
Investigations found that the method of work of installing the truss exposed the apprentice to a risk of falling that was not properly controlled.
Considerations for prevention:
(Commentary under this heading may be additional to material before the court.)The method of work for erecting the truss should have been undertaken in accordance with the Australian Standard AS4440 or the way stated in the truss manufacturer’s guide to fixing the truss. In addition a risk assessment was also required to be undertaken with respect to working at heights.
Court result:
The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined $50,000. No conviction was recorded.
|
Industry:
|
Construction
|
|---|---|
|
Defendant:
|
Metropolitan Building Solutions Pty Ltd (ANZSIC code 4111)
|
|
Date of offence:
|
18 October 2005
|
|
Location of offence:
|
Pacific Pines
|
|
Injury:
|
Broken right ankle
|
|
Offence:
|
Grievous bodily harm
|
|
Court:
|
Southport Industrial Magistrates Court
|
|
Magistrate:
|
Mr Michael O'Driscoll
|
|
Legislation:
|
s.28(1) Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995
|
|
Plea:
|
Guilty
|
|
Decision date:
|
1 October 2008
|
|
Penalty:
|
$50,000
|
|
Maximum fine available:
|
$375,000
|
|
Investigation costs:
|
$3,454.18
|
|
Professional and legal costs:
|
$2,812.50
|
|
Court costs:
|
Nil
|
|
In default period to pay:
|
Twelve months to pay, then to be referred to SPER
|
|
Conviction recorded:
|
No
|
|
CIS No.:
|
41592
|
Visit the Workplace Health and Safety website for more information on:
Other languages