Bypass builder faces court over workplace safety charges

A COMPANY behind the contractor that built the bypass will front court this week to face charges by the Queensland Government over safety issues on the project.

Toowoomba Bypass. Picture: Nexus

A COMPANY behind the contractor that built the Toowoomba Bypass will front court this week to face charges by the Queensland Government over safety issues on the project.

The independent Work Health and Safety Prosecutor has levied six charges against Acciona Infrastructure Australia, which was one half of the consortium Nexus Infrastructure that led the $1.6 billion project.

If found guilty, the charges carry a maximum penalty of $1.5 million each.

A spokesman for the Office of Industrial Relations confirmed the charges had been laid, one of which will be heard in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Friday.

They relate to incidents that occurred on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing construction site between 2017 and 2018.

"Six charges have been laid against Acciona Infrastructure Australia Pty Ltd by the independent Work Health and Safety Prosecutor," the statement said.

"The charges relate to three incidents that occurred in 2017 and 2018. Each of the charges carries a maximum penalty of $1.5 million.

"The proceedings are set for mention on 20 March 2020. One charge has its first mention on that day. The remaining complaints have already commenced."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey ordered work to stop on the project in May 2018, following a string of incidents including truck rollovers.

An independent report made 51 recommendations to Nexus Delivery to improve safety at the site.

Acciona Australia confirmed the charges, but did not comment further on the matter.

Originally published as Bypass builder faces court over workplace safety charges