Scaffolding company fined $150,000 after scaffold collapse
Topdeck Scaffolding Pty Ltd has been convicted and fined $150,000 after scaffolding collapsed at a residential apartment block and struck the neighbouring building.
Topdeck were engaged to provide and erect scaffolding at the site to enable workers to undertake window and eave replacement works.
Topdeck had removed scaffolding from the southern face of the building but failed to place extra ties on the eastern elevation scaffolding.
Gusts of wind between approximately 52km/h and 59km/h were then recorded in the area, causing the scaffolding to collapse. The tenants of the neighbouring apartment were home at the time of the collapse, but no one was injured.
Topdeck failed to use an adequate number of ties on the scaffold and erect the scaffold per the guidance material.
A risk assessment was not completed and Topdeck did not take into account relevant factors such as wind and load on the scaffold.
The Court found that:
- The risk was actually known by Topdeck;
- The likelihood of the risk occurring was significant, given the inadequate number of ties;
- The potential consequences of the risk were death or serious injury. Fortunately, neither happened;
- There were steps which could and should have been taken to eliminate or minimise the risk;
- There was no particular burden or inconvenience involved in taking appropriate precautions.
A copy of this decision can be found here.
