ARTICLE · 26 JANUARY 2012

Head for Heights no excuse – Spot check reveals danger to workers

Kott Gunning

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This case is a reminder of the financial (and human) cost of falling short of the required standards for safety on site.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

David Kew (Previously With Kott Gunning)

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Rockingham Magistrates began the New Year by fining businessman Anthony Colin Foreman a total of $20,000 plus costs following a spot-check at a supermarket construction site in Bertram. A WorkSafe Inspector found Mr Foreman and another rigger working at heights of around 5 metres with no fall injury prevention system in place. Mr Foreman's business partner was also prosecuted in respect of the incident and fined $12,500 plus costs.

Another painful reminder of the financial (as well as human) cost of falling short of the required standards for safety on site. To make matters worse, it appears that suitable safety harnesses were in fact available on site at the time. The biggest risk, it seems, is becoming oblivious to risk.

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