“Complacency will be the architect of your downfall” – this is the message that workplace safety advocate Patrizia Cassaniti is promoting via her Touched by Christopher Foundation, the organisation formed following the tragic death of her son in a preventable workplace accident. 

Patrizia travels the country giving 'tool box talks' about workplace safety and last week she was in Warren as the keynote speaker at a workplace safety course. 

“I want to get my message across to as many employers and workers as I can and by sharing my own story, it makes things personal. They can see for themselves what tragedy looks like.” 

It was the call that no parent wants to receive. 

When news reached Patrizia that eighteen-year-old Christopher had been crushed to death at a building site after tonnes of scaffolding collapsed on him, her world fell apart.

 As she and her family tried to process the unimaginable – that their beloved Christopher was never coming home – they discovered that his death could have been avoided. 

In the months that followed the tragedy, Patrizia turned her grief and anger into action, determined to honour her son’s memory by doing whatever she could to bring about change and lobby against unsafe work practices. 

“Complacency will be the architect of your downfall and it was a ‘she’ll be right’ complacent decision that took my son’s life,” said Patrizia, speaking about the circumstances that led to her son’s death.

 In April 2019, Christopher was a form worker apprentice on the same construction site where Patrizia operated a food van, in fact she had helped him get the job there. 

“It was a Monday. I was at home cleaning up after Christopher’s 18th birthday party when he was killed after overloaded scaffolding gave way. He was directly underneath when it collapsed and was trapped by rubble and debris for twenty minutes before he eventually died.    

“His work mate, who was trapped with him, survived with horrific injuries and severe mental trauma. He always says to me that some days he wishes he had died too. He hardly leaves his house anymore.  The consequences of complacency cost my son his life and caused unspeakable trauma to his family, friends and work colleagues.” 

PHOTO: Patrizia Cassiniti at Warren earlier this week. Image: Western Plains App. 

The NSW District Court found that, ‘the likelihood of risk occurring was so high that it was almost certain,’ and fined both the construction company and the scaffolding company. 

Nevertheless, Patrizia says that the outcome didn’t match the crime and is calling for Industrial Manslaughter law reform in NSW, lobbying government with her proposed ‘Christopher’s Law’.    

“Our state lags far behind most Australian states when it comes to laws that will deter unsafe workplace practices," she said. "Penalties in NSW aren’t nearly strong enough. In Victoria you can be charged with Industrial Manslaughter, be fined multiple millions of dollars, and spend years in jail. Here in NSW, the fine is a lot lower, usually paid for by insurance, and there is no time in jail. I want to see this changed.” 

One aspect of ‘Christopher’s Law’ is the proposed implementation of independent safety officers. “If they are independent as opposed to being employees, then they can’t turn a blind eye to an unsafe situation that has been fuelled by an inability to speak up because of an intimidating work place culture.” 

Patrizia is a proponent of Safework NSW's ‘Speak Up, Save Lives’ app, which people can use to report workplace safety issues. 

“Safety is everyone’s job however some workers fear retribution if they speak up about an unsafe work situation.  With this app, you can upload photos and a brief report and you can remain anonymous if you choose to.”  

Importantly, the app is not just for those working in the building and construction industry, it can be used by anyone, including workers in the transport, manufacturing and agricultural sectors. 

The Touched By Christopher Foundation also raises money to help support bereaved families in the aftermath of a workplace accident. 

“Often the victim is the main breadwinner and the bills don't stop. When all of that is suddenly dumped in a family's lap, it just adds to the burden, so we provide financial assistance such as grocery vouchers or covering utility bills, to allow them some space to grieve.” 

Patrizia's final message is simple. "You can be replaced at work, but you can’t be replaced at home. Never in a million years, did I expect to get a call to say that my son had died at work. My son had everything to live for. Nothing can ever replace him, but my hope is that his legacy and the work we are doing in his name will bring about necessary change and ensure that other families do not have to go through the hell caused by a preventable workplace accident." 

“Remember, as a worker, you are the last decision maker. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and speak up. If you come across an unsafe situation don’t say, she’ll be right. Say, no, this needs to be fixed now.” 

For more information go to https://www.letstalkaboutsafety.com.au or https://touchedbychristopher.org.au.   

You can contact Patrizia on 0414 656 621 or email her at [email protected].   

You can download Safework NSW's free 'Speak Up Save Lives' app from the App Store or Google Play.