Media releases
Self-Employed Contractor Pleads Guilty in Worker’s Fall
15 March 2007
Peter MacDonald, a self employed roofing contractor, was fined a total $1,100 and ordered to pay reparations of $1,000 after one of his workers fell and injured his spine during a re-roofing job.
On July 14, 2006, Allan Benjamin Pita was working on the roof of a Wellington house with another worker when he lost his footing and fell 4.7 metres to the concrete pavement below.
At the time of the incident, there was no roof edge protection in place and neither worker was using safety harnesses. The judge accepted that Mr MacDonald had failed to ensure adequate protection for the workers.
“This incident emphasizes once again just how important it is for employers to make sure their workers have the appropriate gear and protection when working at heights,” said Wellington Service Manager Alan Cooper.
“The fact is that, whether the fall is one metre or 15 metres, the impact at the bottom can result in serious, even fatal injuries.”
“The frustrating thing is that many of the accidents that happen are easily preventable.”
The Department of Labour’s best practice advice on how to work safely at heights, “Guidelines for the Prevention of Falls,” can be found at www.osh.govt.nz.
Mr MacDonald was sentenced for breaches of Sections 6 and 13 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act. He was fined $500 and ordered to pay reparations of $1,000 on the Section 6 charge, and fined $600 on the Section 13 charge.
The sentencing took place yesterday at Wellington District Court.
ENDS
For the Health and Safety in Employment Act, go to www.legislation.govt.nz
To the journalist: please note that health and safety services formerly referred to as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) should now be referred to as the Department of Labour.
