Somerton’s Willis Bros fined after falling slab crushes worker

A Somerton company has been slugged with a hefty fine after falling concrete slab badly injured a worker.

Willis Bros fronted Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court last week after a worker suffered a serious injury. Picture: Ellen Smith

A Somerton company has been slugged a hefty fine after it was found to have “inadequate” manual handling systems which left an employee a paraplegic

Group Manufacturing Victoria Pty Ltd, which trades as Willis Bros, fronted Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court last week and pleaded guilty to failing to provide or maintain systems of work that were, so far as was reasonably practicable, safe and without health risks.

It comes after two workers at a Wyndham Vale construction site in October 2019 tried to complete the installation of a large kitchen island stone slab after a third worker failed to show up.

WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Dr Narelle Beer. Picture: Supplied

A worker was crushed after the stone slab fell onto them after being unclamped from the trolley, leaving him a paraplegic.

“The horrific injuries this worker suffered have irreparably changed his life and impacted his family and colleagues,” WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Narelle Beer said.

“This incident need not have happened and is an unfortunate reminder for employers as to the critical importance of having correct procedures and safe systems of work in place.”

An investigation revealed Willis Bros’ manual handling system and safe work method statement were “inadequate” as requests for mechanical supports to assist in moving the concrete slabs had been rejected previously.

The company was fined $85,000 and ordered to pay costs.