Worker Injured Due To Subcontractor Failing To Mark Safe Zones

The District Court of New South Wales has recently found a dogman, who was engaged as a subcontractor, guilty of failing to establish an exclusion zone which resulted in a worker being hit by the load of the crane. The subcontractor was fined $6,000 and ordered to pay the prosecutor’s cost of $10,000.

The incident occurred at a construction site where a 5-storey residential development was being built. The dogman was responsible for establishing and maintaining exclusion zones and failed to do this adequately. As a result, when the crane was being moved, it struck a worker and left them with multiple fractures, a torn rotator cuff, and other injuries that significantly impacted their ability to work.

The subcontractor agreement required the establishment and maintenance of an exclusion zone, however the Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) submitted did not refer to the use of an exclusion zone.

This case serves as a timely remind of the importance of workplace safety and the consequences of failing to follow proper procedures.

MPAQ Safety assists members with developing suitable SWMS for each job site and complying with legal and safety obligations for high-risk work.

Find out more about easy SWMS generation with MPAQ Safety