Director Fined $101K for Falls Hazard

Matthew McCourt, the sole director and company secretary of Always Energy Pty Ltd, has been convicted and fined $101,250 in the District Court of NSW as a result of a prosecution by SafeWork NSW.

The proceedings arose from an incident on 1 June 2022, when a worker employed by Always Energy fell about three metres off the roof of a single storey home under construction while installing solar panels.

The worker sustained serious injuries as a result of the fall.

Mr McCourt plead guilty to an offence pursuant to section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for failing to comply with his duty as an officer of a company under section 27(1) of the Act.

The full judgment against Mr McCourt has been published on the NSW Caselaw website.

Mr McCourt has the right to appeal against his sentence.

Workers who have concerns about workplace health and safety can anonymously contact SafeWork on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives website.

Business owners and workers can access a range of resources to help manage the risks of working from heights on the SafeWork NSW website.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

"Falls from heights are a primary cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities at NSW workplaces.

"SafeWork NSW reminds all businesses of their duty to ensure their workers are protected when working at heights."

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