A 64-year-old worker died after falling through cable tied guard rails

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure was fined $125,000 in 2020 after a 64-year-old worker died, however a coroner's inquest into the death of the man has been set for next month - November 8 to 10 at Burton Law Courts.

In 2020, the department plead guilty of failing to provide a safe working at height environment which could have saved the workers (James Martin) life. A jury and presiding coroner Emily Caissy will be given evidence from witnesses to determine the facts surrounding the death of James (Jimmy) Martin, in order to recommend changes to working environments to help avoid cases similar to that which happened to Martin.

The temporary set up for the railings where Martin was working was held together with plastic zip ties and wire. When there are fall hazards in the workplace, an employer has the responsibility to do the following:

• Consider the use of correctly installed fall arrest systems, such as guardrails or fall-restricting systems.
• Make sure the fall-arresting systems consists of the required components
• Make sure all protective equipment, clothing or devices are provided, used, and maintained in good condition.

Completing pre-use inspections on workplace equipment will ensure equipment is safe for use. Inspecting equipment increases the chance of spotting equipment faults early, ensuring the company can take action before it causes an accident.

For more information on this story and others visit the HSE website.