Prosecution Details

[1] Being the main contractor at a workplace where demolition work other than specified demolition work was being done, failed to ensure that the work was done in accordance with AS 2601 in that it failed to ensure that the site was secured at all times against unauthorised access.

[2] Being the main contractor at a workplace where demolition work other than specified demolition work was being done, failed to ensure that the work was done in accordance with AS 2601 in that it failed to ensure that services within the structure not required to be maintained during the demolition work were properly disconnected and sealed off before any demolition work commenced.

A WorkSafe inspector attended a construction site in Dianella and conducted an inspection and test of the electrical supply with a volt stick. This test indicated that the electrical power supply was still connected to the house.

The power supply to the house had not been disconnected before demolition work commenced. Fuses had been removed from the meter box, but electricity was still running through the power line running between the front of the house and the street pole. The switchboard was live and some fuse wedges remained in the meter box itself. Had any person placed these fuse wedges in place, then electrical cables in the roof space of the home would have become live. As the roof had been removed, it was possible for water to run into the back of the switchboard. It had been raining during the demolition period.

The defendant was initially fined $7500 (global) by His Worship Mr Thobaren SM with costs of $587 on 17 April 2000. At that hearing the defendant did not appear. A rehearing was requested by the defendant and the fine was reduced to $4000 (global) with $697 in costs.