Combeda Constructions Pty Ltd

On 1 February 2021, a worker stepped onto a piece of plywood covering a penetration at a construction site. The plywood was not secure, and the worker fell approximately 12 metres through the penetration to the basement floor below. The worker received serious injuries.

Alleged breach

Combeda Constructions Pty Ltd contravened section 19(1) and 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Summary of undertaking

Activities Combeda Constructions Pty Ltd will undertake include:

  • WHS knowledge and capability building including:
    • the appointment of a Contract Administrator/WHS Compliance Officer
    • due diligence training
    • a third-party audit of WHS operations
    • digitising WHS compliance systems.
  • Host an Industry Seminar that includes:
    • a lessons learnt presentation by Combeda Constructions Pty Ltd to industry attendees
    • a presentation on the impact serious workplace incidents can have on families
    • a presentation on work health and safety obligations for duty holders.
  • Produce and promote a lessons learnt webinar in partnership with SafeWork NSW.

This undertaking has a total expenditure of $291,800.

Reasons for accepting undertaking

  • The alleged contravention does not appear to be a section 31 Reckless conduct category 1 offence, which if it was the case, would preclude the proposed undertaking from being accepted
  • The nature of the alleged contravention and the actions taken by Combeda Constructions Pty Ltd in response to the incident are assessed as being appropriate for consideration of an undertaking
  • The strategies proposed in the undertaking have been assessed as likely to deliver long term sustainable safety improvements in the workplace, industry and community
  • The undertaking addresses the requirements contained within the “Enforceable Undertakings – Guidelines for Proposing a WHS Undertaking”.

Date accepted:

26 June 2024

Further information

View the full Combeda Constructions Pty Ltd undertaking.

If you are not able to access the information in this PDF we can make alternative arrangements for you. Please contact enforceable.undertakings@safework.nsw.gov.au.

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