Wavell Heights construction company fined $34,000 over workplace safety breach

A Wavell Heights based construction company has been fined $34,000 after a worker was injured at Karana Downs in August 2008.

LaSpina, Trabucco & Co Pty Ltd pleaded guilty in the Ipswich Industrial Magistrates Court on 9 June 2009 to breaching section 24 of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995, having failed to ensure workplace safety.

The Court heard a tele-lifter, its bucket filled with concrete, had been parked by the company's supervisor on an incline with the engine idling while two workers stood in a trench nearby scooping concrete from the bucket, filling a besser-brick wall.

As the machine was moved forward to allow easier access it's front wheels went over the edge of the incline. One worker jumped out to the way avoiding injury, but the other was struck in the chest and lower left leg and pushed against a besser block wall which then collapsed and fell on top of him. He sustained a crush injury to his left leg.

The Workplace Health and Safety Queensland investigation revealed the workplace did not have a work method statement for the job being performed or for high risk construction using mobile plant.

As a result of the incident the company engaged a consultant to review its systems, including health and safety training and induction.

Industrial Magistrate Ms Donna McCallum took into account the company had entered an early guilty plea, cooperated with the investigation, had not been prosecuted previously for any workplace health and safety breaches, and had since undertaken a review of its risk management process.

In addition to the fine, she ordered the company to pay investigation, professional and court costs totalling $2393.62. No conviction was recorded.

The prosecution was brought by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, a part of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.