Builder fined over tilt-up collapse
Issue Date: - Wednesday, 21 May 2008
A Perth builder has been fined $3500 over the collapse of three tilt-up panels at a construction site at Forrestfield.
Svein Tobiassen pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the panels were braced in accordance with shop drawings and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court last week.
In a separate matter, Mr Tobiassen was also fined $35,000 in the Supreme Court over the 2002 death of a building worker who was crushed by a collapsing tilt-up panel at a Myaree building site.
On the morning of March 7, 2003 three large concrete panels, along with four steel columns and some connecting steel, collapsed during strong winds at a Forrestfield construction site.
After the collapse it was ascertained that the panels had been cut in half - at the direction of Mr Tobiassen and without any engineering advice – and had fewer braces installed than had been specified in the shop drawings.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that the case should serve as a reminder that great care needed to be taken with tilt-up construction.
"Fortunately no-one was injured in this incident, but this was probably more good luck than anything because riggers were at the time working only 20 metres away from the collapse," Ms Lyhne said.
"It is absolutely crucial that every possible precaution be taken when working with tilt-up panels and that all design specifications are strictly adhered to.
"A huge amount of work has gone into the tilt-up construction industry since the tragic work-related death at a tilt-up construction site in 2002.
"At that time, there were several widespread areas of concern in the tilt-up industry, and a code of practice specifically for tilt-up was released in January 2003.
"Tilt-up construction is viewed with such concern across the country that a national code of practice has recently been completed and is expected to be taken up for use in WA in the near future.
"WA has specific workplace regulations for the industry and a compulsory training course must be completed by anybody wishing to work in tilt-up construction, so the potential hazards are well recognized.
"This case is an important reminder that tilt-up construction is a high-risk activity and that safe systems of work need to be in place at all times and strictly observed."
Further information on safety in tilt-up construction can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.