Allcott Hire Pty Ltd has been fined $90,000 in the Industrial Court of NSW as a result of a prosecution by SafeWork NSW.
The proceedings arose from an incident on 18 May 2022, when Allcott Hire Pty Ltd hired out two sets of incomplete and unsafe scaffolding to a licensed builder for use.
The hired scaffolding had no toe boards and an inadequate number of horizontal braces, trapdoor platforms and stabilisers.
The incomplete scaffolding had the potential to expose workers to a risk of falling from a height greater than 2 metres while undertaking work on and from the scaffolding.
Allcott Hire Pty Ltd plead guilty to an offence pursuant to section 33 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for failing to comply with its health and safety duty to supply plant to be used at a workplace that is without risks to the health and safety of persons who use that plant under section 25(2) of the Act.
The full judgment against Allcott Hire Pty Ltd has been published on the NSW Caselaw website.
Allcott Hire Pty Ltd have the right to appeal against their sentence.
Workers who have concerns about workplace health and safety can anonymously contact SafeWork 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 SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer:
“Falls from heights are a primary cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities at NSW workplaces.” “SafeWork NSW reminds all businesses of their duty to ensure they are fulfilling their safety criteria and providing the appropriate measures to keep workers safe.”
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