QLD company faces court over uncovered chute fall

QLD company faces court over uncovered chute fall

A Queensland construction company, along with its director, have attended the Brisbane Magistrates Court, to answer to charges of failing to comply with health and safety duties.

The charges relate to an incident in March of 2018, when a worker was seriously injured at a site managed by the company, Steel Construct Australia.

Benjamin Said, who was working for Steel Construct, fell through a covered garbage chute at the West End site, falling three metres and suffering serious spinal injuries.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspector Jared Bentzen explained in court that there were boards covering the hole, which had not been fixed to the floor and had “no standing” written by hand on them.

Mr Betzen explained that regulation dictates that protection covers have to be securely fixed in place, and able to withstand the weight of a person.

It was explained in court that Steel Construct had been contracted by Ultrafloor, who had in turn been contracted by RGD Constructions, the principal contractors on the site. Ultrafloor and RGD Constructions, which has since collapsed, were both fined $75,000 plus costs over the incident after pleading guilty to failing to comply with health and safety duties.

Steel Construct is defending itself against the charges, pleading not guilty, and meaning the case will continue at trial. Eleven witnesses are expected to give evidence, including Mr Said.

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