WorkSafe has laid charges against two companies after a worker died after falling around 20 metres from a roof under construction at Curtin University in 2020.

Steel fabrication company Elsdon Pty Ltd has been charged, being an employer, with failing to ensure the safety and health of persons not being their employees and, by that failure, causing the death of Jonathan Hartshorn and serious harm to another worker (maximum penalty $2 million).

Stantec Australia Pty Ltd, which was involved in the design of the roof, has been charged, being an employer, with failing to ensure the safety and health of persons not being their employees (maximum penalty $1.5 million).

The incident occurred prior to the introduction of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, so the charges were laid under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984.

In October 2020, 23-year-old Jonathan Hartshorn, an apprentice carpenter, was working on the construction of a roof when the steel structure partially collapsed and he fell around 20 metres to the ground. Another worker also fell and was seriously injured.

Acting WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said today the investigation was an extremely complex and time-consuming one, and it was now up to the courts to decide what action would be appropriate.

No further comment will be provided by WorkSafe, as the case is now before the courts. The first mention will take place in the Perth Magistrates Court on December 13.

Media Contact: Caroline De Vaney, 6251 2363 or 0408 927563 (media queries only).

caroline.devaney@dmirs.wa.gov.au

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