Demolition firm fined over worker's death near Newcastle
A demolition company was fined $187,500 after Steve Klus, a 64-year-old worker, was struck and killed by a falling pole in 2023.
Steve Klus died on May 31, 2023, when a pole struck his head at a demolition site near Newcastle Port. The experienced worker had walked into a danger zone to get the excavator driver's attention.
When a colleague yelled warnings, Klus said "I know what I'm doing" but the falling pole hit him. The court ruled Drumderg Services Australia failed to properly set up or enforce the safety zone.
The company also failed to remove poles from the work area. It did not use two-way radios.
Justice Lloyd Babb ordered the firm to pay SafeWork NSW $187,500, reduced from $250,000 because the company pleaded guilty.
- $187,500
- Fine imposed
- 64 years old
- Worker's age
- May 31, 2023
- Date of incident
- Near Newcastle Port
- Location
Why it mattersThe case shows why strong safety enforcement matters on demolition sites, even with experienced workers.
AustraliaAustralian construction and demolition companies face stricter scrutiny of safety zones and must enforce exclusion areas consistently.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
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