Tasmanian Company Macquarie Builders Convicted of Safety Breaches After Worker’s Severe Injury

Incident Overview

On Thursday, 24 April 2019, a worker sustained severe injuries after falling from a mobile scaffold onto a star picket while working on a new public toilet and change room construction project at Kingston Beach in Tasmania. The scaffold, positioned on a concrete slab, slipped during the task, causing the worker to fall into an area with star pickets intended for concrete boxing support.

Macquarie Builders Pty Ltd was subsequently charged with two offences related to failing to ensure worker safety and failing to preserve the incident site. WorkSafe Tasmania conducted the investigation and the matter proceeded to the Hobart Magistrates Court.

Macquarie Builders Pty Ltd was subsequently charged with two offences related to failing to ensure worker safety and failing to preserve the incident site. WorkSafe Tasmania conducted the investigation and the matter proceeded to the Hobart Magistrates Court.

WorkSafe Tasmania conducted a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The inquiry identified significant lapses in ensuring the scaffold’s stability, the proximity of the worker to hazardous areas (star pickets), and inadequate training in scaffold use. The investigation was impeded by the company’s failure to preserve the incident scene.

WorkSafe Tasmania encourages any workers, contractors or witnesses who have information about workplace safety breaches or similar incidents in the construction industry to report them. Concerns can be raised confidentially with WorkSafe Tasmania on 1300 366 322 or via the online report form at worksafe.tas.gov.au.