Gran Designs fined over worker's death

Fremantle-based building company Gran Designs WA has been slapped with a $175,000 fine for failing to provide a safe workplace after the death of a worker in the South West in 2017.

Yesterday, the company pleaded guilty to five charges before the Bunbury Magistrates Court, including failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace causing death.

The company was also charged for failing to ensure workers were wearing safety helmets, not having a Safety Management Plan and for failing to ensure workers had the necessary High Risk Work Licences. 

The original fines totalled $230,000 before the magistrate discounted the amount due to mitigating circumstances.

In March 2017, the company was building a house in Yarloop when an unsecured 750 kilogram concrete panel fell on a 19-year-old contract worker who had been guiding it into place, causing fatal injuries.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh said the company neglected its duty of care by not properly identifying and assessing potential hazards and hoped others would learn from the tragic case.

“On this job there was a serious lack of safety systems, highlighted by the lack of helmets being worn on the site that day despite the obvious risks,” he said.

“This company failed to ensure that basic safety systems were in place and it led to a young man sadly losing his life, so I hope others will learn from this case and ensure workers are protected from any hazards in their workplaces.

“Tilt-up panel construction is a particularly hazardous undertaking that should only be performed strictly in accordance with the regulatory requirements and the relevant Code of Practice.”

Gran Designs WA published a notice of intention to deregister the business in February and is understood to be in liquidation as a result of the incident.