SafeWork NSW has successfully prosecuted a North Strathfield construction company after a worker fell approximately three metres off an unprotected edge of a balcony.
Grandcity Constructions Pty Ltd (Grandcity) has been fined $120,000 after the District Court of NSW heard this month that the business failed to protect its workers.
In March 2016, Grandcity began construction work of a three-storey residential boarding house in Strathfield.
Better Regulation Division Deputy Secretary, Rose Webb, said SafeWork investigators found that the worker was instructed by the director of Grandcity, Cilin Cai, to clean up discarded bricks left on the floor on the first level of the building.
"The man was employed as a cleaner at the site in September 2016. At the time of the incident, there was no temporary edge protection installed on a balcony built on the first level," Ms Webb said.
"The cleaner wasn’t wearing safety clothing or a hat while cleaning up the bricks. As he was cleaning near an unprotected edge of the balcony, he tripped and fell down three metres to the concrete ground and he landed on his head and upper body."
The man sustained serious injuries including a fractured wrist, spine, nose and ribs. He also suffered internal injuries and amnesia.
"Mr Cai failed in his duty of due dilgence and since the incident the cleaner hasn’t returned to work. I want to take this opportunity to remind all businesses that workplace safety should remain their top priority and SafeWork will take serious action against any breaches," Ms Webb said.
Grandcity has been convicted for failing to ensure the health and safety of workers under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Mr Cai has also been convicted and fined $24,000 for failure to exercise due diligence to ensure the company complied with its duty under the Act
Grandcity and Mr Cai have the right to lodge an appeal.
181212 - SafeWork - Grandcity prosecution (003).pdf
