Contractors fined $63,000 for health and safety failings…

A court has fined two building contractors $63,000 after failing to adequately protect their workers from falls on a construction site.

The two contractors were involved in the construction of a farm shed. Complaints were made to Worksafe about dangerous working conditions at the worksite.

Upon investigation, Worksafe found two builders on the roof of the shed without harnesses, edge protection, or a safe way off the roof. The builders were reliant on a third person to bring them a ladder.

Worksafe ordered the work to stop until safety equipment had been installed on the roof of the shed.

When Worksafe revisited the site a short time later, work had continued. However, the edge protection that had been installed was not done correctly. It provided no protection to the workers on the roof. Work was ordered to stop again due to safety concerns.

The court held that failure to adequately address health and safety issues raised by Worksafe in the first instance was a serious matter. The contractors were ordered to pay fines totalling $63,000, and to each write and publish an article about the incident in an industry magazine.

Additionally, the contractors were required to prepare and present three safety seminars.

It is important to understand, and apply, health and safety measures to eliminate or minimise any workplace hazards, otherwise you risk injuring someone, prosecution and costly fines.

If you are unsure about the health and safety requirements, for your staff or workplace, it is wise to speak with a professional experienced in the area.

Leading law firms committed to helping clients cost-effectively will have a range of fixed-priced Initial Consultations to suit most people’s needs in quickly learning what their options are.  At Rainey Collins we have an experienced team who can answer your questions and put you on the right track.




Alan Knowsley
Health and Safety Lawyer
Wellington