A Sydney-based construction company has been convicted and fined $270,000, highlighting the importance of working from heights near skylights.
2 Types Constructions Pty Ltd faced the District Court of NSW after a SafeWork NSW prosecution, following a serious fall that highlights the extreme risks of working around skylights.
The incident occurred on 19 April 2022 at a refurbishment project in Kingsgrove, in Sydney’s south, when a worker fell about four metres through an unprotected skylight and onto a concrete floor.
“Falls from heights are a primary cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities at NSW workplaces, with most occurring in the construction industry,” SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said.
“SafeWork NSW reminds all businesses of their duty to ensure their workers are protected when working at heights.”
Safety spotlight
In this case, the worker suffered serious injuries that could easily have been fatal.
SafeWork NSW alleged the company failed to meet its obligations under section 19(1) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), and 2 Types Constructions pleaded guilty to an offence under section 32 for failing to comply with its health and safety duty to workers.
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The judgement is available on the NSW Caselaw website, and the company retains the right to appeal the sentence.
The case serves as a warning to all businesses working at height — particularly when operating near fragile structures such as skylights, which must be properly assessed, guarded, or covered to prevent a fall.
What to do
Tradies concerned about unsafe conditions can contact SafeWork anonymously on 13 10 50 or via the Speak Up Save Lives website.
Business owners and workers can also access practical resources and guidance for managing the risks of working at heights—including skylight hazards—on the SafeWork NSW website.