Court Summary - at a glance

Date of offence:
10 March 2015
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Final decision date:
 
Fine imposed:
$15,000

Safety lessons learned:
  • Implement and monitor an effective system for both the frequent and periodic inspection of ladders which are available to employees to use at work; and
  • Ensure that ladders with excessively worn feet are not used by employees at work.

Defendant name:
Geordie Robert Adam Grieve
 
Industry:
Building and construction
 
Date of offence:
10 March 2015
 
Facts in brief:
The Defendant is a builder, trading as Geordie Grieve Builders.

The victim was a third year apprentice carpenter.

The Defendant had been contracted to complete remedial work on a home involving removal of claddings, treatment of structural timber, and recladding.

On the day of the incident, the victim was removing a first floor balcony, 2.8m above the ground using a ladder which had damage. All 4 feet rubber non-slip feet of the ladder were completely worn through, with the metal exposed. When the victim descended the ladder, the ladder slipped forward from underneath him. The victim fell, striking his head on the ground.

The victim suffered multiple skull fractures and complex head injuries.
 
Offence section:
Section 6 and section 50(1)(a) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
 
Date(s) charged:

Court:
Wellington - District Court
 
Plea:
Guilty
 
Final decision date:
 
Decision:
Convicted
 
Fine imposed:
$15,000
 
Maximum fine available:
$250,000
 
Reparation:
$48,587