Mobile Scaffold Solutions fined $400K over Andy Jones’ soccer field death at Mitchelton

A scaffolding company has been fined $400k over the death of a beloved father-of-four who was killed when a tower fell on him at Mitchelton soccer fields in Brisbane’s northside.

Andy Jones died when scaffolding fell over while watching his son play soccer at Mitchelton in 2021.Picture Facebook

A Brisbane company has been fined $400,000 over the death of a father who was killed when a scaffold tower fell on him while watching his son play soccer.

Andy Jones, from Bridgeman Downs, died after a scaffolding tower fell on him during a soccer match at Mitchelton Football Club in July, 2021.

Mr Jones, 37, was a volunteer at the match and was watching his son’s under 15s game when a strong gust of wind blew over the scaffold structure that was being used by camera operators.

The 2.4m scaffold pinned Mr Jones onto a fence, causing serious injuries to his chest.

The father-of-four couldn’t be saved.

The scaffold collapse at Mitchelton Football Club in 2021. Picture: Richard Walker

The company, Mobile Scaffolds Queensland, was charged by the Office of Industrial Relations in July last year with failing to comply with their primary health and safety duty.

During sentencing last month, court was told the company was hired to install the scaffolding in April 2021 for the purpose of filming at the Teralba Park Sports Complex in Mitchelton.

In court, it was determined that the scaffold tower was not properly built, or secured, to handle the high winds that day.

Magistrate Joseph Pinder found the scaffold was a clear risk to members of the public, and some of the steps weren’t taken to make sure it was safe.

Mr Pinder also said the company displayed a cavalier approach to their workplace health and safety duties.

The company, owned by Chris Sweedman, was put into liquidation in February.

The organisation declined to participate in the proceedings and was sentenced ex parte to be fined $400,000 and a conviction was recorded.

Andy Jones died when scaffolding fell on him while watching his son play soccer at Mitchelton in 2021. Picture Facebook

Mr Jones played in the over-35 Mitchelton Mustangs and spent his weekends at football games or getting outdoors with his family.

He regularly shared to social media his children’s achievements and how proud he was.

Mr Jones has family in the United Kingdom where he worked before transferring to the Queensland Police Service.

Mr Sweedman will also face Brisbane Magistrates Court over the incident this month. He has been charged with failure to comply with health and safety duty.

Originally published as Mobile Scaffold Solutions fined $400K over Andy Jones’ soccer field death at Mitchelton