Worksafe has flagged it intends to prosecute two different construction companies after a teenage worker was killed on site two years ago.
Related post: Calling for industrial manslaughter laws to be enforced in WA
Wesley Ballantine, 17, was a steel fabricator for Industrial Construction Services Pty Ltd and was working on night shift at 4.30am in 2017 when the incident happened.
He was working to install a glass ceiling at the redevelopment for fashion retailer H&M when he fell through a void in the roof of the internal atrium.
He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital by ambulance but could not be saved.
Sydney-based interiors construction company Valmont WA Pty Ltd was the main contractor for one stage of the project and released a statement following the boy’s death.
"The directors of Valmont are profoundly saddened," a spokesman said.
"At this delicate time their sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young man, his friends and co-workers."
The company has since been charged with failing to ensure that persons who were not their employees were not exposed to hazards.
Mr Ballantine’s employer, Industrial Construction Services, have also been charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment and by that failure, causing Mr Ballantine’s death.
Industrial Construction Services director and manager Adam Forsyth and Luke Corderoy were also personally charged with an offence that the incident occurred with their consent, or was attributable to their neglect.
WorkSafe WA commissioner Darren Kavanagh said the prosecution was only step one in what was likely to be a long process.
“These prosecutions are the culmination of a thorough investigative process conducted over a period of 13 months,” he said.
“As the cases are now in the hands of the courts, WorkSafe will not be making any further comment.”
Related post: Calling for industrial manslaughter laws to be enforced in WA
