Australian construction firm fined record A$1.75m over worker fatality

Perth, Australia (Image: Southern Creative via AdobeStock - stock.adobe.com)

AR Constructions, currently in liquidation, pleaded guilty in the Midland Magistrates Court to failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker, causing his death. The company was engaged by principal contractor Glask Construction to erect structural steel columns at the site.

The column fell after a lifting device known as a “Pink Lug” failed. The device was non-proprietary, not rated for its working load limit and not compliant with the applicable lifting standard. The court heard company directors were aware the Pink Lug was non-compliant but did not remove it from service. There were no records of its origin, inspection history, rated capacity or length of use.

The Magistrate found the offending was at the highest end of seriousness.

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said the penalty should serve as a reminder to employers to ensure all lifting equipment is safe and fit for use. “It’s common knowledge in industry that lifting devices need to be inspected regularly, rated to lift relevant loads and that the failure of lifting devices exposes workers in the fall zone to the risk of being crushed by falling objects,” North said.