Global Ballooning Australia Fined for Safety Failures After Employee’s Fall

Introduction

Global Ballooning Australia has been fined $44,000 by the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court following a serious workplace incident where an employee suffered severe injuries after falling through a skylight.

Incident Overview

In June 2021, a worker at Global Ballooning Australia’s operations center in Dixon’s Creek fell approximately three meters through a fiberglass skylight while cleaning gutters, resulting in a fractured spine. The company delayed two days before reporting the incident to WorkSafe Victoria.

Legal Proceedings

After pleading guilty to two charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the company was fined $44,000 and ordered to pay costs of $9,770. The court’s decision underscores the serious nature of the company’s failures in implementing adequate fall prevention measures.

WorkSafe Investigation Findings

WorkSafe’s investigation highlighted the absence of fall prevention strategies and systems to assess and control risks associated with working at heights at Global Ballooning Australia, noting that the use of fall arrest systems such as safety harnesses could have prevented the incident.

Impact and Statements

The incident led to significant injuries for the employee, emphasizing the critical importance of workplace safety measures. WorkSafe executive director Narelle Beer stressed that all incidents of falls from height are preventable and highlighted the organization’s commitment to prosecuting employers who neglect the risks of working at heights.