Solar farm construction companies hit with massive fine after worker’s death
Two companies have been fined following a worker being crushed to death at a Port Augusta solar farm in 2018.
The experienced machine operator was killed when a hammer on a modified hydraulic pile driver jammed. While the operator inspected the machine, the hammer released and dropped onto the operator, crushing him, and causing his death.
Civil and Allied Pty Ltd, known as Catcon, was contracted to help building a solar farm including installing metal piles for panels to be placed on. Catcon subcontracted Lightforce to supply a machinery and an experienced operator to install the metal piles.
The operator was using a hydraulic pile driver to drive piles longer than originally designed to be driven by that machine. The operator modified the pile driver to complete the task by overriding safety mechanisms.
A Catcon supervisor was aware of the modifications. Lightforce was not aware of the modifications that were made to undertake work that was outside the agreed scope.
What the investigation found
SafeWork SA investigations found the Catcon supervisor was employed without the skills, knowledge and experience needed to identify worker’s safety when operating the pile driver.
Lightforce and Civil and Allied, known as Catcon, both pleaded guilty at the South Australian Employment tribunal to breaching their health and safety duty.
Catcon was fined $450,000 ($750,000 before applying a 40 per cent discount for pleading guilty) plus costs.
Catcon failed to:
- Use a safe system of work to minimise the risk of injury
- Complete a hazard analysis and risk assessment prior to undertaking the task
- Prepare a safe operating procedure that related to the plant and tasks
Lightforce was convicted with a $300,000 fine ($500,000 before 40 per cent discount for pleading guilty) plus costs.
Lightforce failed to:
- Ensure a hazard identification and risk assessment was completed to identify risk or injury
- Ensure the worker operated within the guidelines of Safe Work Method Statements
- Maintain the pile driver as is reasonably practicable and fit for purpose