The scaffold collapse at Mitchelton Football Club in 2021. Picture: Richard Walker
A Brisbane-based company has been fined $400,000 following the death of a father, Andy Jones, who tragically lost his life when a scaffold tower collapsed on him while he was watching his son play soccer.
Jones, 37, from Bridgeman Downs, was a volunteer at his son’s under-15 soccer game at Mitchelton Football Club in July 2021. During the match, a strong gust of wind caused the scaffolding, which was being used by camera operators, to fall. The 2.4-meter-high structure trapped Jones against a fence, inflicting severe injuries to his chest.
Despite efforts to save him, the father of four died from his injuries. The company responsible for the scaffolding, Mobile Scaffolds Queensland Pty Ltd, faced charges by the Office of Industrial Relations in July 2022 for failing to uphold their primary health and safety responsibilities.
During the sentencing, the court learned that the company had been contracted to set up the scaffolding in April 2021 for filming purposes at Teralba Park Sports Complex in Mitchelton. However, the structure had not been properly assembled or secured to withstand the windy conditions that day.
Magistrate Joseph Pinder highlighted that the scaffold posed a significant risk to public safety and that important measures were not taken to ensure it was secure. He also criticized the company for its careless attitude toward workplace health and safety.
Mobile Scaffolds Queensland Pty Ltd went into liquidation in February and chose not to take part in the legal proceedings. As a result, the company was fined $400,000, and a conviction was recorded.
Jones was an active member of the community, playing for the over-35 Mitchelton Mustangs, and he enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family. He frequently shared his pride in his children’s accomplishments on social media.
Before relocating to Australia and joining the Queensland Police Service, Jones worked in the UK, where he still has family.
The company’s owner is also set to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court this month, facing charges for failing to comply with health and safety regulations.
