A Tasmanian construction worker has been fined $20,000 after he ran over another worker with an excavator, leaving them with serious injuries.
Jonathan Curtain, an employee of Andrew Walter Constructions, was manoeuvring the excavator on April 13, 2022, when the incident occurred.
WorkSafe Tasmania inspectors investigated the incident and found breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act, leading to charges against Curtain.
He pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a health and safety duty that exposed an individual to a risk of death or serious injury and a regulatory offence for not ensuring a piece of plant did not collide with pedestrians or other powered mobile plant.
Magistrate Chris Webster imposed the fine of $20,000 and court costs of $78.54, convicting Curtain on both charges.
Work Health and Safety Regulator Robyn Pearce said the incident had a “serious impact” on the life of the injured worker.
“Plant operators need to be aware of their surroundings when operating heavy plant [machinery].”
“The establishment of an effective exclusion zone around operating plant is a critical
safety measure but it will not prevent serious injuries if the plant operator does not
ensure there are no workers or other people near the plant.“
