FINE FOR FALL FROM LADDER

A DRYSDALE business owner whose employee was left with broken bones after falling more than 4m on a jobsite has been fined $10,000.

Stephen Reidy’s apprentice fell from a ladder on June 8 last year when part of a brick wall supporting it crumbled, the Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.

The apprentice, who was working for Reidy’s company Bayshore Electrical & Air Conditioning Services, was installing an airconditioner at the time, and needed months off work to recover.

WorkSafe prosecutor Stephanie Keogh-Barnes told the court the apprentice was left with a broken arm, foot and a “shattered shoulder” after the fall at a Queenscliff church.

Ms Keogh-Barnes said the accused should have arranged for the wall to be inspected given the way it was used during the job.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan told Reidy it was his duty to provide a system of work that ensured safety.

Reidy’s lawyer told the court a senior electrician who had a working at heights certificate was at the scene at the time of the incident.

The court heard the business owner was overseas when the apprentice fell.

Reidy was initially listed to contest charges against him but chose to accept a sentence indication Mr Coghlan gave him.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to provide a safe system of work. He was convicted and ordered to pay $4217 costs to WorkSafe.

The court heard the injured apprentice has returned to work on limited hours.

Mr Coughlan told Reidy he would have imposed a $20,000 fine had he not pleaded guilty.