Construction Company Fined After Formwork Collapse Injures Three Workers

This is an abridgement of an article originally published by OHS Reps.

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In May 2019,  a construction firm specialising in office fit-outs, had begun a major project that planned to transform the second level of a car park into office space. The project was complex, as it involved key structural changes, one of these changes being the removal of a car park ramp and installing steel formwork with a concrete pour scheduled late July 2019.

Despite having a policy of conducting pre-pour inspections, The company failed to arrange for an engineer to review the formwork before the pour. On the morning of July 27, as the concrete pour began, the formwork collapsed. Three workers—none employed by the company—fell more than two metres to the ground. Two of the workers were immediately hospitalised, and the third sought medical attention the following day after symptoms worsened.

When WorkSafe inspectors investigated the incident, they issued improvement notices to the company. It was identified that the pre-pour inspection could have revealed flaws in the structure and potentially prevented the collapse.

While the court recognised that the company had a strong safety record and lack of prior convictions, the company was found guilty for two safety violations. They were fined $125,000, plus additional costs, without a recorded conviction.

This incident underscores the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols in the construction industry. Comprehensive inspections and proactive measures are crucial in preventing accidents and protecting workers from serious harm.