Elsdon pleads guilty to negligence in fatal Curtin University roof collapse

A steel fabrication company, Elsdon, has pleaded guilty to criminal negligence following a fatal roof collapse at Curtin University’s Bentley campus in October 2020. The incident occurred when a partly constructed five-storey glass roof gave way, causing 23-year-old apprentice glazier Jonathan Hartshorn to fall 20 metres to his death.

His colleague, Rikki Issitt, also sustained serious injuries during the collapse. Investigations determined that Elsdon staff possessed inadequate welding qualifications, resulting in poorly constructed steel trusses intended to support the glass.

While the company pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the safety or health of a non-employee, a second charge related to causing death via unsafe plant was dropped. Additionally, charges against the roof’s design company were dismissed earlier this year. A Perth court has released footage of the collapse, which was shown to the victims' families during proceedings.