Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd has been fined $150,000 in the Industrial Court of NSW as a result of a prosecution by SafeWork NSW.
The proceedings arose following a workplace incident on 11 November 2022 where a worker fell nearly 3.85 metres from a bridge abutment.
Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd was engaged to assist the principal contractor at a construction site at Huntley, New South Wales where the worker was employed to undertake formwork stripping.
Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd entered a plea of guilty to an offence pursuant to section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) for failing to comply with its health and safety duty under section 19(1) of the Act.
The full judgement against Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd can be read on the NSW Caselaw website.
Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd has the right to appeal against its sentence.
The Principal Contractor Menai Civil Contractors Pty Ltd was earlier fined $69,750 in the Industrial Court of NSW after pleading guilty to an offence under sections 33 and 19(1) of the Work Health and Safety Act NSW 2011 relating to the same incident.
Falls from heights remain a leading cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities at NSW workplaces, with most occurring in the construction industry.
SafeWork NSW continues to prioritise the safety of workers at heights, with falls from heights listed as the first item in its 2025-26 regulatory priorities to prevent or reduce the risk of death, injury and illnesses in NSW workplaces.
Find more information on how to stay safe while working at heights at the SafeWork NSW website.
Quotes attributable to SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer:
"Falls from heights are a primary cause of serious injuries and fatalities across workplaces in the state.
"SafeWork NSW remains committed to supporting industry and workplaces to keep their workers who are at height safe and encourages any business with workers exposed to heights to complete the 'working at heights in construction safety checklist'."
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