Sentencing for 2016 workplace fatality
25 March 2022
Content warning: this article may cause distress to readers.
In 2016, at the University of Canberra public hospital building site, a construction worker was killed when a mobile crane trying to move a ten-tonne generator toppled, fatally crushing him. Today, RAR Cranes was convicted of a Category 2 offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and fined $300,000. Multiplex was sentenced on 12 November 2021 for the same incident.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius again extended her deepest condolences to the family of Mr Holtz.
“My thoughts are with the Holtz family and their friends, particularly given that they revisit this tragic event repeatedly as the judicial system runs its course. WorkSafe ACT is committed to minimising the negative impact of this trauma, working with the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure swift outcomes for families and the community.”
”Although it has taken six years to get to this point, I appreciate the work that has gone into this process. The outcome today sends a strong message to duty holders – if you do the wrong thing, not only will you forever negatively impact a wide circle of people, but WorkSafe ACT will catch you, and you will be held to account.”
Commissioner Agius is committed to firm enforcement and compliance actions for all work health and safety incidents and was pleased to see a conviction recorded for this tragic incident.
“As the WHS Commissioner, I will continue to enforce the WHS laws in this industry and ensure duty holders are held to account. My Inspectors are just as committed as I am to drive improvements in construction. We will continue to have a strong presence in this sector across the ACT and actively connect with the industry to improve worker outcomes.”
Media contact
Fiona Marsh
0466 927 213
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