Mt Waverley developer Chloch Homes and Developments fined for failing to provide safe workplace

A subcontractor working on an unguarded empty stairwell was lucky to survive a 6m fall. Now the developer has had to pay the price.

The man fell 6m through an unguarded stair well at a Mt Waverley construction site. Stock image

A Monash developer was fined $25,000 after a worker fell 6m down an unguarded empty stairwell at a construction site.

The subcontractor was rushed to hospital after the fall at a Mt Waverley construction site on October 23, 2018.

The case was originally heard in the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on February 20 where Chloch Homes and Developments was fined $15,000 without conviction.

But following an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions in the County Court, Chloch was convicted and the fine increased by $10,000.

The company was convicted of one charge of failing to ensure as far as reasonably practicable that the workplace was safe and without risk to health and safety.

Chloch was also ordered to pay costs of $2500.

The court heard the subcontractor fell down the empty stairwell\ and landed on a concrete floor while installing roof trusses.

A WorkSafe investigation found Chloch had no fall protection in place at the time of the incident.

WorkSafe Health and Safety executive director Julie Nielsen said there was no room for complacency when it comes to fall risks.

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“There are no excuses for allowing workers to complete tasks around unprotected edges and voids,” Ms Nielsen said.

“These risks are well known and the systems of work for eliminating or reducing them are readily available.

“Falls from height are a leading cause of serious injuries and death on Victorian construction sites and employers must take these risks seriously.”

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