Paul Edmond Semmens has been convicted and fined $168,750 in the District Court of NSW as a result of a prosecution by SafeWork NSW.
These proceedings arose from an incident on 8 April 2022 when a worker employed by Mr Semmens sustained serious injuries after falling whilst attaching a shade sail to a pole 5.5 metres in height at the site.
Paul Edmond Semmens pleaded guilty to an offence pursuant to section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 relating to exposing a worker to a risk of death or serious injury, where Mr Semmens owed the worker a health and safety duty under section 19(1) of the Act.
The full judgment against the defendant can be read on the NSW Caselaw website at SafeWork NSW v Paul Edmond Semmens - NSW Caselaw.
Mr Semmens 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.
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said:
“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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