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Worker Seriously Injured After Falling Through Incomplete Scaffold- Two Companies Fined

SG Formwork Pty Ltd (SGF) and Lubeca Pty Ltd were sentenced in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 18 November 2025, each pleading guilty to a single charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Two companies have been fined a combined $60,000 after a worker fell through an incomplete scaffold system during the construction of a 40-storey building in Southbank.

The Fines and Charges

SG Formwork Pty Ltd
• Fined $31,000, without conviction
• Ordered to pay $5,276 in costs
• Charge: Failing to provide or maintain a safe working environment

Lubeca Pty Ltd
• Fined $29,000, without conviction
• Ordered to pay $3,898.50 in costs
• Charge: Failing to provide adequate information on the safe use and installation of plant supplied to the workplace

What happened?

SGF had been engaged to perform concrete structure works and subcontracted Lubeca to design, certify and supply a jumpform system, which included a scaffold made up of hanger brackets and planks forming temporary walking platforms.

The scaffold’s certified design required the hanger brackets to be nailed to the wall forms.
Lubeca delivered the jumpform to the construction site without inspecting it and without providing SGF with any installation or usage information.

In May 2023, a worker walking on the scaffold fell more than two metres when the structure failed beneath him.
The plank he had been standing on fell with him and landed on top of him.

He suffered:

  • A fractured lower back and spine
  • A fractured knee
  • A torn knee ligament

He was transported to hospital for treatment.

WorkSafe’s Findings

WorkSafe’s investigation revealed the scaffold was incomplete because:

  • Hanger brackets were not securely fixed to the wall form
    – Some had only one nail
    – Some had no nail at all
  • There were no handrails or perimeter protection

SGF admitted it was reasonably practicable to ensure work was only performed from a complete and safely constructed scaffold.

Lubeca admitted it was reasonably practicable to provide adequate installation and safety instructions, including:

  • That hanger brackets must be securely fixed
  • That planks must overhang end hangers by two metres
  • That all fixings must be inspected for free movement
  • That all handrails must be in place before the scaffold is used

WorkSafe’s Warning

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin urged all employers- especially in the construction sector, to take fall prevention seriously.

He stated:

  • Falls from height remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry
  • Some duty holders still fail to provide basic safety measures or instructions
  • WorkSafe will not hesitate to prosecute employers who fail to protect workers

If you’ve been injured at work, or if unsafe equipment or poor safety systems have put you at risk, you may be entitled to WorkCover compensation.

Arnold Thomas & Becker’s experienced WorkSafe and WorkCover lawyers can help you understand your rights and make a claim.

Contact us for a confidential, obligation-free discussion.