Workplace injury costs employer over $80,000...

An employer pleaded guilty to a charge, brought by WorkSafe, of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure a worker’s health and safety.  The worker had fallen four metres to the ground on a construction site.

The Court found there was a lack of proper analysis and planning around the task being performed by the worker and he was inadequately inducted.  The man had suffered significant injuries, including a broken wrist, cheekbone and arm.  He was hospitalised for four weeks and underwent a number of operations. The Court ordered the company to pay a fine of $45,000 and to pay the worker compensation of $35,000.

The fine imposed was after reducing it for mitigating circumstances as the company demonstrated genuine remorse, had been co-operative throughout the investigations, diligently worked to improve their safety compliance and had offered real support to the injured man and his family.