WHS Act charge over Sydney Metro incident (Media release)
8 September 2020
Construction company John Holland has been charged with breaching federal work health and safety laws over an incident that severely injured a worker on the Sydney Metro rail project.
Following an investigation by regulator Comcare, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions has filed a single charge alleging John Holland Pty Ltd failed in its duties under the Commonwealth Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
The incident happened on 11 September 2018 during the construction of Castle Hill Station. A bricklayer fell around seven metres through a void onto a concrete floor, suffering severe leg fractures.
The worker was employed by sub-contractor DJD Brick and Blocklaying. John Holland was the principal contractor for the project.
It will be alleged John Holland did not maintain a safe working environment by failing to ensure the board covering the void was adequately fastened.
The charge is a Category 2 offence under the WHS Act, carrying a maximum penalty of $1.5 million.
The matter is listed for mention in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on 22 September 2020.
Media Contact:
media@comcare.gov.au
0478 305 675
