Health and safety standards have a big role to play in the wellbeing of employees. For some workers it is much more vital whilst for others small lapses and laziness in procedures can go unnoticed and not even cause a stir. On worksites where heavy machinery is being controlled and trucks are moving in, unloading and reversing, the consequences of poor safety standards can be devastating.

However, due to the nature of workers compensation laws and the safety nets provided in our society, those who get injured have avenues to claim compensation. Even when health and safety standards are up to scratch and you are injured whilst at work you have a right to make a compensation claim as well as other claims which we’ll make you aware of.

The following events took place in Sydney and ended tragically. We have acted for thousands of workers with all types of injuries and it is our priority to make sure our clients are getting the best financial compensation.

A health and safety breach at a Sydney company that led to the death of a security guard back in 2011 has resulted in a $150,000 fine being issued.

A 21-year-old man was killed after being struck by a cement truck that was entering a manufacturing plant. His employer, MSS Security, was found guilty of a breach under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000.

The man was tasked with watching the entry of trucks into the site, but SafeWork NSW ruled the security company had failed to establish an out-of-bounds area. Furthermore, radios could have been used to communicate between drivers and guards.

SafeWork NSW Executive Director Peter Dunphy stressed that individuals carrying out “remote or isolated work” are often more vulnerable than many people realise.

“This incident shows that an effective safety system does not have to be expensive or complicated, and in this instance, could have saved a life,” commented Mr Dunphy.

“We hope this judgment sends a message to the NSW security industry of the need to have effective safe work systems in place as well as the devastation it can cause when there isn’t.”

The team at PK Simpson urges you to enlist the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer if you feel you are not adequately provided for in terms of health and safety at your place of work or if you have been injured. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 states that all working environments must be able to operate without any risks to health, and that premises are properly controlled by the employer.

As in this instance, the employer did not take these steps and it resulted in the death of a worker. You could be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in an incident such as this, so it is well worth getting in touch with our team of accident lawyers.

Make sure you are in the right hands from the get go.