Scaffold collapse (1 April 2019)

Incident overview

Two formworkers were working on a multi-storey mixed-use construction in Macquarie Park. They were on a concrete slab working beside the base of scaffolding approximately 9 stories high when it collapsed, crushing both workers. One worker was transferred to hospital with critical injuries while the
other died at the scene.

Collapsed scaffold on the construction site where work was being done

Investigation and Prosecution

SafeWork NSW conducted an investigation to determine the case and circumstances of the incident.

On 17 December 2020, the construction company was convicted for breaches against the NSW WHS Act 2011 and fined $900,000 as a result of the incident. The company was also served a Proposed Project Order, which required them to contribute a further $104,000 and establish a working group to deliver a scaffolding industry safety standard over a 12 month period.

Safety information

Businesses are reminded to consider reasonable and practicable control measures to manage the risk of scaffold collapse:

  • Ensure the scaffold is stable at all times, including during erection, in situ, during and after any alterations, and when dismantling.
  • Ensure the scaffold can withstand all anticipated loads, including the weight of workers, all stored material and any loads due to weather such as wind and rain (particularly where containment sheeting is used).
  • Ensure dismantled scaffold components are not stored on the existing scaffold unless it is designed to withstand these loads.
  • Know the duty rating (light, medium, heavy or special) and number of decks that can be loaded within a bay.
  • Ensure the scaffold is adequately tied to its supporting structure, in accordance with instructions from a competent person. Consult with the scaffold designer, manufacturer, supplier or an engineer, and prevent unauthorised removal or changes.
  • Develop systems of work that allow construction activities such as bricklaying, painting, rendering, glazing and cladding installation to be completed without unplanned changes to, or removal of, scaffold ties, e.g. work down from the top of the building as the scaffold is progressively dismantled,
    or relocate ties so they do not interfere with the work.
  • Ensure altering or partially dismantling the scaffold does not weaken it, e.g. removing returns or adjacent bays may require additional ties or bracing on the remaining scaffold.
  • Ensure only competent persons with a relevant class of high risk work licence undertake scaffolding work including making alterations.
  • Protect the scaffold from damage by vehicles, plant, equipment or materials.
  • Use a scaffold that is suitable for the tasks and construction process.
  • Provide all workers adequate information, instruction, training and supervision regarding the control measures required to prevent the collapse of the scaffold.
  • Have a competent person who holds the same or higher class of high risk work licence appropriate to the class of scaffolding regularly inspect the scaffold, to ensure it has not been modified or altered by unauthorised persons.
  • Prepare a safe work method statement for all high risk construction work.

Further information

You can also refer to the following guidance materials:

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