The moment a glass ceiling collapsed underneath two men, killing one of them, has been released by a Perth court after the company responsible for the roof’s construction pleaded guilty to criminal negligence.
Apprentice glazier Jonathan Hartshorn, 23, was killed at Curtin University’s Bentley campus in October 2020 after falling 20 metres from a partly constructed, five-storey glass roof.
Workmate Rikki Issitt was also seriously injured during the same incident, on Wednesday telling Perth Magistrates Court his life had been irrevocably changed as a result.
Steel fabrication company Elsdon was held responsible for the workplace incident after it was determined their staff had inadequate welding qualifications that led to poorly created steel trusses that were designed to hold the glass in place.
But it has taken six years for justice to be served, the company only pleading guilty to the charge of failing to ensure the safety or health of a person who is not an employee on Wednesday.
A second charge of failing to provide safe plant and caused death as a result was dropped and charges against the roof’s design company were also dropped earlier this year.
On Thursday, Perth Magistrate Andrew Matthews released footage of the moment the roof collapsed that had been shown in court and seen by Hartshorn’s devastated mother.
Susan Chappell told media outside court that watching the moment her son died was “horrible” and earlier criticised Elsdon for the length of time it took them to take responsibility for the 23-year-old’s death.
“Jonnie should be here, fulfilling his dreams, living the sweet life that he wanted,” Chappell said.
“Instead his future was torn from underneath him along with mine. Now left with the wreckage.”
Issitt also addressed the court and spoke about the moment he fell through the roof and thought he was going to die.
“I looked up and saw the ceiling hanging above me,” he said.
Issitt suffered significant injuries including breaks to both arms and legs, a fracture spine and broken pelvis.
He has been unable to work since.
“The emotional consequences have been devastating,” he said, before adding that he had suffered survivors guilt following the death of Hartshorn.
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