A Melbourne company has been fined $20,000 without conviction after it erected scaffolding within 60cm of powerlines in a 'no go zone' without a permit.
Kwikserv Formwork & Scaffolding pleaded guilty to breaching section 21 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 - for failing to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to enable workers to perform work in a safe manner and without risk to health.
The Ringwood Magistrate's Court heard Kwikserv was engaged by the site’s principal contractor to erect scaffolding in July 2016. It sub-contracted the work to a third party, which erected the scaffolding inside the five metre ‘no go zone’ around powerlines.
The court heard although Kwikserv had a Safe Work Method Statement in place that required the principal contractor to apply for permits to work within the ‘no go zone’, approved permits were never obtained. However, it was reasonably practicable for the company to provide proper instruction to workers and contractors to ensure the system was followed.
This acts as a timely reminder to employers to ensure your workers are provided with all the information necessary to do their job safely.
Also it should be emphasised to employers that a Safe Work Method Statement alone is not enough to ensure safety if you have not provided adequate information, instruction and training to yout workers to implement it.
If you need help, our WHS consultants can assist your business with ensuring your documentation is implementation is up to speed. Contact us on (08) 8300 0000 or
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