Building renovator fined $90,000 and ordered to undertake WHS training after workers injured in a fall.
George Zanbaka has been convicted and fined $90,000 in the Industrial Court of NSW as a result of a prosecution by SafeWork NSW.
These proceedings arose from an incident on 26 April 2023 when two workers employed by the defendant fell at least 2.5 metres when a concrete garage roof collapsed while undertaking demolition works.
Mr Zanbaka plead guilty to an offence pursuant to section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 relating to the health and safety duty to workers under section 19(1) of the Act.
In addition to the fine, Mr Zanbaka was ordered to undertake a Certificate IV course in Work Health and Safety along with a Webinar Series produced by SafeWork NSW regarding safety on construction sites.
The full judgment against the defendant can be read on the NSW Caselaw website.
Mr Zanbaka has the right to appeal against his sentence.
Workers who have concerns about workplace health and safety can anonymously contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or through the Speak up Save lives website.
Business owners and workers can access a range of resources to help manage the risks of working from heights on the SafeWork NSW website.
Quotes attributable to Acting SafeWork Commissioner Petrina Casey:
“Falls from heights are a primary cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities in NSW workplaces.”
“Preventing injuries caused by a fall is an area for action in SafeWork NSW's regulatory priorities this year.”
“SafeWork NSW reminds all businesses of their duty to ensure their workers are protected when working at heights.”
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