Worker Falls 10 Metres To His Death

MEDIA RELEASE

Worker Falls 10 Metres To His Death

Two Auckland companies have been fined today after a worker was killed when he fell 10 metres through a hole filled with fire mortar (a compound designed to contain fires in multi storey buildings). This highlights the dangers of working from heights and the importance of effective hazard identification.

The Department of Labour prosecuted Hawkins Construction Limited and Firepel Kidd Limited for their roles in the accident at the Britomart East building on 12 November 2009. They were fined $36,000 and $25,000 respectively.

The Auckland District Court heard how Firepel were contracted to install fire protection in the 12-storey commercial building being constructed by Hawkins at the Britomart precinct in downtown Auckland.

Firepel filled a hole on the site with fire mortar but neither Hawkins nor Firepel identified this as a potential hazard.

Tyco New Zealand Limited were also contracted to install fire protection at the site and one of its employees was installing wiring when he fell 10 metres through the filled hole. He was killed instantly.

“Both Firepel and Hawkins should have identified the hole as a potential hazard and it should have been covered with secured planks or restricted by guard rails,” says the Department’s Acting Auckland Central Service Manager Linda Wilson.

“Instead this man fell to his death through a failure by both companies to identify the risk of a fall.

“Working at heights is a hazardous activity and the risks need to be carefully managed.

“Falls from heights in the construction industry is an area of focus for the Department and is part of our Harm Reduction programme to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries.”

ENDS

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