Construction worker Ricky Low's death should be used by the industry as an example of the "very real dangers" of diverting from and failing to follow appropriate safety plans, Otago-Southland coroner David Crerar says.
Ricky Stuart Edward Low (58) died in Dunedin Hospital on August 19, 2009, eight days after suffering serious head injuries when he fell 4.8m on to concrete while working on the demolition of the former Fisher and Paykel administration building in Dukes Rd, Mosgiel.
The coroner found his death was due to severe brain injuries received when he fell from the roof.
Mr Low had instructed the employees of Hall Brothers Ltd to remove all the screws from roof cladding sheets and when he walked up the roof to the ridgeline and stepped over to a sheet which was no longer secured, he fell.
Mr Crerar recommended Naylor Love and Hall Brothers used industry influence alert construction companies to the circumstances of Mr Low's death so such circumstances did not recur.
"The 'cutting of corners' apparently to save time has resulted in tragic consequences," he said.
