Subcontractor fined $238,000 after worker electrocuted on site
Civil 1 was fined $238,000 for a workplace breach that led to employee electrocution.
A construction worker was electrocuted on a Wollongong site in December 2022 when a steel cage fell onto power lines. William Leach was guiding the cage into a hole when it buckled and struck live wires.
William Leach felt a surge of electricity pass through him, even though he was not holding the cage. Entry or exit points were found on his boots.
He was taken to hospital by ambulance, discharged and later returned to work. Subcontractor Civil 1 pleaded guilty to breaching workplace safety laws.
The Industrial Court fined the company $238,000, after an earlier $300,000 fine was issued to construction company Segcon.
- $238,000
- Fine amount
- William Leach
- Worker name
- Virginia Street, North Wollongong
- Site location
- December 5, 2022
- Incident date
Why it mattersWorkplace safety breaches can lead to serious injury and substantial fines from regulators.
AustraliaThe case shows Australian courts taking electrical safety on construction sites seriously with six-figure penalties.
