Safety – Working with Lawyers and being an Expert Witness – Craig Power
I have been involved in several events which required expertise in conducting a detailed and forensic root cause investigation analysis, having deep knowledge and being able to research and understand technical components.
Being a trained and experienced mechanical engineer with a long and deep history in OHS was of great assistance in determining patterns and contributing factors.

In one case – it was proven that the company had submitted a false and confected investigation report.
The two cases that went to trial were a learning curve for me.

Two key points

(1) Your credibility as an expert witness is evaluated severely by the opposition legal team. If there is any weakness here – your evidence and opinion is thrown into the rubbish bin.

(2) Sometimes the legal team using you as an expert witness – fail to ask the right questions of the witness and as a result, vital information is not presented to the Judge for consideration.

History of cases
Expert Opinion Report – Civil Matter – Went to Trial : WA District Court
Investigation and report into a fall off steps resulting in a badly fractured ankle: South-West of Western Australia.
The civil matter went to trial at the WA district court in 2022, Craig Power was an expert witness
Plaintiff’s Legal Team -John Brooksby (Michael Kirby Chambers) and Sigi Hallis Cohen (Injury WA)

Expert Opinion Report – Industrial Accident
Investigation into a fall at the same height on a construction site resulting in a badly fractured ankle – Perth CBD, Report mapped against the WA OHS Act 1984 and Regulations 1996.
Plaintiff’s Legal Team – Brett Hedges of Walker Hedges & Co

Expert Opinion Report – Fatal Incident , Investigation Report
Contractor hit and fatally injured by tree branch whilst tree lopping
Plaintiff’s Legal team – Scott Wade – McLeods

Expert Opinion Report
Investigation and report into exposure of an employee to toxic fumes resulting in debilitating lung damage – Perth Area.
Plaintiff’s Legal team – Philip White – Foyle Legal

Expert Opinion Report
Investigation and report into the ongoing flooding via roof leaks of an industrial laundry- with potential for electrocution of employees and major damage to equipment.
Plaintiff’s Legal team – James O’Hara and Mike Hales – Minter Ellison

Expert Opinion Report : Went to trial – WA district court
Report on safety issues surrounding the use and access across a rural easement
The civil matter went to trial at the WA district court, Craig Power wrote a report and was an expert witness
Plaintiff’s Legal team – Catriona MacLeod – Cullen Macleod Lawyers then Pacer Legal

Witness – Unfair Dismissal Case : WA Industrial Magistrates Court
Witness to a WHS Isolation breach on a local council work site .