WorkSafe has laid charges against two companies after a worker died after falling from a roof under construction at Curtin University three years ago.
In October 2020, 23-year-old Jonathan Hartshorn, an apprentice carpenter, was working on the construction of a roof when the steel structure partially collapsed and he fell around 20 metres to the ground.
Another worker also fell and was seriously injured.
Steel fabrication company Elsdon Pty Ltd has been charged with failing to ensure the safety and health of persons not being their employees and, by that failure, causing the death of Mr Hartshorn and serious harm to another worker.
The offences carry a maximum penalty of $2 million.
Stantec Australia Pty Ltd, which was involved in the design of the roof, has been charged with failing to ensure the safety and health of persons not being their employees.
The offences carry a maximum penalty of $1.5 million.
The incident occurred prior to the introduction of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, so the charges were laid under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984.
Acting WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said today the investigation was an extremely complex and time-consuming one, and it was now up to the courts to decide what action would be appropriate.
No further comment was provided by WorkSafe, as the case is now before the courts.
The first mention will take place in the Perth Magistrates Court on December 13.
