Brisbane Breakfast Club - WH&S

Back to basics - Preventing workplace incidents & how to ensure a safer and healthier construction workplace.

Know your rights

WHS prosecutions are no longer just for industry giants. Recent rulings show that SMBs and directors are facing increased scrutiny and significant fines under the Work Health and Safety Act.

Join us at our Breakfast Club WHS series on Wednesday, 4 March, as Damian Hegarty from McCabes Lawyers helps you navigate these risks and discusses what recent cases mean for your business.

We will break down recent residential construction cases, including a $140,000 fine for a fall-from-height incident and a $41,000 penalty involving unlicensed scaffold work.

We will cover:

• Personal Liability and how it is being applied in 2026.
• Essential controls for scaffolding, edge protection, and structural integrity.
• Why your SWMS and engineering verifications may fail under scrutiny.
• Ensuring your business meets the Scaffolding Code of Practice.

You can’t afford to wait for an inspector or an incident to find the gaps in your safety system. Learn how to protect your workers and your business today.

Master Builders Senior Advisor - Workplace, Health and Safety, Gary Hogg will also be going through Master Builders wide range of comprehensive services. Our team of industry experts provide specialist advice across a broad range of work, health and safety obligations. We also stay up-to-date with the latest legislation to help you comply with regulations by explaining how the changes may impact the building industry and your business.

Gary will also go over the misunderstanding of what a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) actually requires. To keep your business safe register your spot and understand the difference.

Our speakers

Damian Hegarty

Principal| McCabes

Damian has over 15 years’ experience advising and representing clients across the construction, mining, and industrial sectors. He possesses extensive expertise in crisis response, incident management, and defending Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulatory proceedings. His track record includes successfully challenging Improvement and Prohibition Notices and appearing on behalf of clients in Coronial Inquests. Recognised in Best Lawyers for Occupational Health and Safety Law since 2021 and named 2024 Lawyer of the Year. Damian is a leading voice in navigating the complexities of WHS compliance.

Beyond his litigation work, Damian is highly regarded for his commercial pragmatism and fierce advocacy for both individuals and large-scale corporations. He regularly advises on the management of ill and injured workers, workers' compensation disputes, and workplace investigations. His clients value his ability to provide clear, calm advice in the face of a crisis, ensuring they remain protected and compliant in an increasingly scrutinised regulatory environment.

Gary Hogg

Senior Advisor – Workplace, Health and Safety | Master Builders

Gary has a Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and an Associate Diploma in Building. Prior to joining Master Builders, Gary worked in the construction, mining and oil and gas industries. He also has experience managing health and safety systems development and implementation, along with conducting audits and inspections overseas.

Gary has provided companies and the Qld WHS Regulator with operational and strategic HS services and advice. He is involved with health and safety training in asbestos, silica and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).

He sits on Health Safety advisory committees both nationally and within the state.