A prominent Tasmanian construction company faces over a million dollars in penalties after a safety breach that resulted in severe injuries. 

A worker sustained “horrific” injuries after falling from a mobile scaffold onto a star picket in 2019, now leading to a potential fine of up to $1.55 million for Tasmania’s Macquarie Builders..

The accident occurred at a construction site in Kingston Beach, south of Hobart, where a team was building a new public toilet and change room. The worker, while installing timber battens under the roof rafters, fell from the scaffold that slipped over the concrete slab's edge, landing on a star picket positioned for supporting concrete boxing.

WorkSafe Tasmania's investigation into the incident revealed significant safety management failures by Macquarie Builders Pty Ltd. 

The company allegedly did not adequately secure the mobile scaffold with outriggers nor did it prevent work near the star pickets within the fall zone. Furthermore, the investigation was reportedly “hampered” due to the company's failure to preserve the incident site, a requirement under the Work Health and Safety Act.

The company has been charged with two offences: one for failing to ensure the worker's health and safety, with a maximum penalty of $1.5 million, and another for not preserving the incident site, carrying a $50,000 maximum fine. 

Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Daly’s verdict found the charges proven beyond reasonable doubt.

The prosecution highlighted the severe injuries suffered by the worker, indicating a victim impact statement would be prepared for the sentencing hearing scheduled for March 18. 

WorkSafe Tasmania has expressed satisfaction with the court's findings, emphasising the need for improved safety practices in Tasmania's construction sector to mitigate the risks of working at height.