Better Building Holdings Pty Ltd today pleaded guilty to charges laid against it for the workplace death of Mr Thomas Magi, a carpenter who fell over 6 metres at a worksite at Denman Prospect in 2020.

Sentencing will occur on 6 May, before the Industrial Court Magistrate.

In a media statement, WorkSafe ACT said Acting Commissioner Amanda Grey was committed to firm enforcement and compliance actions for all work health and safety incidents, particularly in residential construction, and was pleased to see Better Building Holdings taking responsibility for this tragic incident.

“Mr Magi’s death was preventable and my thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues today,” Commissioner Grey said.

“Every worker has the right to a safe workplace, and the right to return home safely. Charges like the ones that Better Building Holdings needed to respond to should be laid promptly and those who breach the WHS laws held to account. I’m glad to see Better Buildings Holdings take responsibility for its failure to provide a safe workplace for Mr Magi.”

Residential construction continues to be a priority industry for WorkSafe ACT, with the regulator completing multiple targeted campaigns across green and brownfields suburbs in 2021 and more planned for 2022. Unfortunately, significant breaches continue to be observed in this industry, the media statement continued.

“WorkSafe ACT continues to enforce the WHS laws in this industry. Our Inspectors are committed to driving improvements in residential construction. We will continue to have a strong presence in this sector across the ACT and actively connect with the industry to improve safety outcomes,” the statement concluded.

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