A Canberra company has made a legally binding commitment to spend nearly $300,000 after a delivery driver suffered "life-changing" injuries when he was hit by a falling glass panel.
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The glass fell on the man while panels were being unloaded at the Glass Tech Australia work site, in Hume, in May 2017.
ACT Work Safety commissioner Greg Jones said an investigation into the incident revealed alleged breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Following the investigation, Glass Tech submitted a proposal for an enforceable undertaking.
Mr Jones said he had accepted the proposal, which will require Glass Tech to spend $164,000 on improvements to safety systems and practices for its workers.
The undertaking also includes a commitment to spend $70,400 on glass stock and training for Canberra Institute of Technology students, and $60,700 on community benefits. These will include a new vehicle for Red Cross, and freezer units to safely transport donated breast milk for premature babies.
Should Glass Tech fail to comply with the undertaking, WorkSafe ACT can seek court enforcement and an additional $250,000 penalty.
"The injury which occurred on this site was preventable and should not have happened," Mr Jones said.
"The delivery driver sustained significant and life-changing injuries when he was struck by a falling glass panel."
Mr Jones said he had accepted an enforceable undertaking in this instance because it would improve safety for Glass Tech workers and the industry in general.
However, WorkSafe ACT was still committed to pursuing prosecution in cases where it was deemed appropriate, he said.
"We have already seen improvements to the safety culture at Glass Tech," he said.
Mr Jones said WorkSafe ACT would continue to monitor the company to ensure it complied with the undertaking, which also includes non-financial commitments.
