A company charged over the death of a construction worker at a Curtin University building site has pleaded not guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court to failing to ensure his safety.
The matter may not get to trial until 2025.
Family and friends of 23-year-old apprentice carpenter Jonnie Hartshorn packed the public gallery, as Stantec Australia appeared on charges laid by Worksafe.
Stantec was involved in the construction of a glass roof being installed at the university in October 2020, when a steel structure partially collapsed and Mr Hartshorn fell about 20m to the ground.
Another worker who also fell was critically injured.
Both men worked for Elsdon Pty Ltd, which has also been charged but on Wednesday no plea was entered, and its case was adjourned to February.
Both companies are also facing a charge of failing to ensure the safety of the worker who was injured.
If convicted Elsdon faces a maximum fine of $1.5 million, while Stantec’s charges carry a maximum of $2 million.
Stantec’s case was adjourned to March next year when a date for the hearing may be set.
