It is a sad situation, sometimes fuelled by customers greed to get things done cheap, also fuelled by desperado's trying to make a buck.
It can be stopped, simple and in a nut shell.
Apply the same principals as electricians, scaffolders, multi-story buildings etc. Around here, the business owner could be fined and even jailed if found negligent and failing to observe OHS industry guidelines ... serious stuff. Was there a Hazard Assessment completed for the job, was the cutter working within his capabilities, was the appropriate fall restraints used ... no, no, no ... therefore it's clear that they are in breach of something and the boss or principal contractor could be dealt with. Unfortunately it's all too late after the event to save a life.
Good prevention starts when the guys leave their front door. It is time for licencing and regulation.
What makes this industry so different from others that it not be licenced?
Also, around here if he were a self employed contractor just doing stuff with his mate etc the insurance payout would be NIL!
And for the record, I as an owner and principal contractor would be entitled to NIL over here on a death accident unless I had and paid for my own personal cover. So for all we know that guys family could be in the same boat.
