Building contractor charged with Industrial Manslaughter after worker falls from height

NT WorkSafe has charged a Darwin based contractor with industrial manslaughter in relation to the death of a worker in the Darwin suburb of Bayview.

On Wednesday 8 April 2020, a 60 year old worker fell approximately 3.2 metres through an unguarded void as he moved cabinets into position for installation.

Mr Craig Williams trading as Rainbow Beach Constructions faces one charge under section 34B (Industrial manslaughter) of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 for failing his primary duty of care under section 19(1)(b).

NT WorkSafe will allege that Mr Williams, the principal contractor of the two story residential construction site, recklessly ignored repeated warnings from a number of subcontractors concerned about the risk of falls from height through voids in the upper floor, after temporary scaffolding was removed and not replaced by alternative fall protection.

If found guilty, Mr Williams faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The matter is listed for mention at the Darwin Local Court on Tuesday 28 March 2023.

Note to media: The next-of-kin has requested privacy and that the worker’s name not be used.