Inspector Ching v Bros Bins Systems Pty LtdInspector Ching v Exo Pty Ltd t/as Tibby Rose Auto [2004] NSWIRComm 197

Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales in Court Session

CITATION : Inspector Ching v Bros Bins Systems Pty LtdInspector Ching v Exo Pty Ltd t/as Tibby Rose Auto [2004] NSWIRComm 197 PROSECUTION Inspector Barnabas Ching PARTIES : DEFENDANTS Bros Bins Systems Pty Ltd Exo Pty Ltd t/as Tibby Rose Auto FILE NUMBER: 5012 and 5013 of 2001 CORAM: Marks J CATCHWORDS : Occupational health and safety prosecution - workshop auto electrician killed whilst repairing industrial rubbish truck - no specific instructions given as to manner of carrying out repairs - no instruction or training in use of props or other safety devices - no structured or systematic approach in system of work or risk assessment - causal nexus submission rejected - casual act of negligence submission rejected - further findings as to defendant in control of truck: failed to install safety mechanism on truck and provide safety prop - offences found proven. LEGISLATION CITED : Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983 ss 15(1) 17(1)(b) 53 Drake v WorkCover (NSW) (1999) 90 IR 432 CASES CITED : Inspector Ching v Bros Bins Systems Pty Ltd (2003) NSWIRComm 3086 McMartin v The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited ((1998) unreported) State Rail Authority of NSW v Dawson (1990) 37 IR 110 HEARING DATES: 09/09/2002; 09/10/2002; 09/11/2002; 09/12/2002; 09/13/2002; 07/12/2004; 07/13/2004; 07/14/2004 DATE OF JUDGMENT: 09/09/2004

PROSECUTOR Mr R Reitano of counsel Solicitor: Ms R Parmegiani WorkCover Authority of New South Wales