Magistrate Finds ‘Mental Lapse’ Led to Fatal Scissor Lift Fall in Launceston

Incident Overview

On Wednesday, 17 June 2020, Gerard Dezoete, 56, fell to his death from a scissor lift on a commercial construction site in central Launceston, Tasmania. The experienced tradesman stepped backward off the raised platform, apparently believing he was on ground level due to visual cues along the building’s eaves.

In July 2025, Launceston Magistrates Court concluded the fall resulted from a momentary mental lapse by Mr Dezoete. Bisrey Pty Ltd (trading as RnB Painting and Rendering), the contracting company, was cleared of four of five workplace safety charges but found guilty of failing to provide a work method statement (SWMS) to the principal contractor.

• Fatalities:
  • Deceased Worker:
• Injuries:
  • None reported.

• Deceased Worker:

WorkSafe Tasmania investigated the incident. Bisrey Pty Ltd was initially charged with five counts of failing to comply with workplace safety duties under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (Tas). The Launceston Magistrates Court dismissed four charges, including failure to ensure a safe work method statement was prepared and reviewed. One charge was upheld: failure to provide a SWMS to the site’s principal contractor before work commenced.

WorkSafe Tasmania investigated this incident in 2020. Any workers, contractors or site visitors with additional information about the circumstances of the fall or the site’s safety practices are encouraged to contact WorkSafe Tasmania on 1300 366 322 or visit worksafe.tas.gov.au.