Fatal Fall at Sydney Climbing Gym: A Case Study in Missed Controls

On 13 October 2021, tragedy struck at the Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym when a recreational climber fell approximately 12 metres after an auto-belay lanyard failed under load. Despite the presence of equipment designed to keep climbers safe, the fall resulted in the climber losing consciousness and later dying from the injuries sustained.

The auto-belay system was anchored at the top of the wall and connected to the climber’s harness via a lanyard and carabiners. When the system failed, there was nothing to stop the climber from hitting the floor below.

The Court’s Findings

The Court was clear: the risks were foreseeable, and the control measures were well-known to those in the industry. This wasn’t a case of an unforeseeable freak accident.

The defendants either knew, or should have known, what was required to ensure the safety of people using their facility.

The Court also emphasised the importance of both specific and general deterrence.

In other words: the penalties weren’t just about punishing this particular gym and its directors, but about sending a wider message to all businesses operating in high-risk recreational environments.

The Penalties

Crestville Holdings Pty Ltd (the operator): fined $375,000

Directors Michael Garben and Simon Stevens: each fined $112,500

These directors were responsible for the day-to-day operations of the gym and were held personally accountable. All parties retain the right to appeal the sentences.

Lessons

This case is a reminder that:

1. Known risks demand proven controls. Auto-belay systems aren’t new technology. The risk of failure, and the need for regular inspection and maintenance, is obvious.

2. Directors can’t hide behind the company. Where directors are directly responsible for operations, they can be held personally liable for failures in safety management.

3. Deterrence is real. Courts continue to stress that penalties must send a strong signal across industries—whether in construction, manufacturing, or recreational services.

Final Word

Indoor climbing is marketed as a safe, accessible sport. When control measures are neglected, the consequences are catastrophic. This case underscores that the responsibility for ensuring equipment integrity and safe systems of work lies squarely with operators and their leadership.