Geocon Constructors (ACT) Pty Ltd
On Tuesday 18 September 2018, Geocon Constructors (ACT) Pty Ltd had placed a large amount of concrete in the base of a lift shaft which resulted in the collapse of two precast panels. It is alleged that the bottom panel was relocated with the base dowels being cut and no engineering solution was sought. It is alleged that there was no suitable quality control systems in place to identify the fault prior to pouring the concrete which resulted in the panel collapse.
WorkSafe ACT inspectors investigated the incident.
It is alleged by WorkSafe ACT that Geocon Constructors (ACT) Pty Ltd failed to discharge its duties under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the Act).
The regulator considered a proposal for a work health and safety enforceable undertaking from Geocon Constructors (ACT) Pty Ltd. The proposal met the regulator’s general guidelines for the acceptance of WHS undertakings under the Act and was consistent with WorkSafe ACT’s published guidance material for enforceable undertakings.
The proposal was accepted and became an enforceable undertaking in August 2020. The undertaking will deliver safety benefits to workers, to the construction industry and the community. The undertaking included a statement of regret, that Geocon Constructors (ACT) Pty Ltd acknowledges the seriousness of the incident.
The total financial commitment of the undertaking is $140,750:
- to provide High Risk Licence Dogging (DG) training to supervisors
- to prepare, collate and facilitate a presentation on “Lessons Learnt” to members of the Master Builders Association
- development of a Precast Safety Video to be used at CIT Rigging training
- provide CIT with supplementary equipment for the new tower crane training for students
- provide the O’Connor Scout Hall with required maintenance
On this page