A Canberra earthmoving company has been fined $60,000 for work safety breaches during a botched Mr Fluffy demolition, begun without the use of mandatory water sprays.
In August 2015, Samarkos Earthmoving demolished a Mr Fluffy asbestos-affected house in Darke Street, Torrens.
Despite pre-demolition planning and an on-site briefing of workers indicating two water hoses were needed for dust suppression, the plant operator began demolition without them.
This caused a large cloud of dust to come from the building.
The plant operator could not be stopped because there was no working radio or on-site air horn.
Samarkos Earthmoving was convicted and fined $60,000 by the Industrial Magistrate, a penalty reduced from $80,000 after the company entered an early guilty plea.
Access Canberra deputy director-general David Snowden welcomed the decision.
"This outcome sends a clear message to the construction sector that dangerous and unsafe work practices are not accepted," Mr Snowden said.
"It is the second successful court outcome within a month following an investigation by Access Canberra."
Mr Snowden said Samarkos Earthmoving's safety breaches impacted workers, including a WorkSafe ACT inspector.
"Access Canberra and WorkSafe ACT continue to ensure safety in our community and construction sector through engagement, education and enforcement where appropriate and we will continue this concerted focus."
