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In findings released on Friday, Coroner Leveasque Peterson blamed an unsafe workplace for the death of Charlie Howkins on March 21, 2018, and for the death of Jack Brownlee the following day in hospital.

In her two separate findings, the coroner said she believed both Mr Howkins and Mr Brownlee were standing outside a trench at the time, when it collapsed.

In her finding regarding, Mr Howkins, the coroner said, "I am satisfied that Charlie died as a result of the head injuries he sustained at the time of the trench collapse.

"There is no evidence to suggest that an alternative rescue approach was preferable, possible or warranted in the circumstances.

"I find on the balance of probabilities, that Charlie and Jack were not in the trench at the time of the collapse, rather they were on the edge of the trench.

"There is clear evidence that the Pipecon's unsafe work practices caused Charlie's death and that his death was preventable...in the circumstances I am not satisfied there are any recommendations that I can make that would contribute to the prevention of similar deaths."

In June 2023, civil construction company Pipecon pleaded guilty in the County Court to one count of failing to provide supervision to ensure a safe workplace. It was convicted and fined $550,000 for a workplace safety breach.

In her findings regarding Brownlee's death, she said the 21-year-old died "from complications of injuries sustained when a trench wall collapsed" and "I am satisfied that Jack's death was preventable."

Coroner Peterson concluded her reports by saying: "This case serves as a reminder of the hazardous nature of trenching works and the critical need for employers to ensure continued compliance with their statutory duties under the law to eliminate or minimise risk to worker health and safety. I convey my sincere condolences (to the families) for their loss."

Mr Howkins' wife Lana Cormie said it was a hard day, but was pleased the findings had been made public.

"I'm relieved that the fact that Charlie and Jack fell into the trench has finally been made public," Dr Cormie said.

"I always knew that this was the case, but no one would listen. This finding confirms that Pipecon failed to ensure a safe workplace, and that Charlie's death was preventable.

"It's important to note that the Coroner described Charlie as 'a very competent worker, always very safety conscious. I will have more to say in relation to this, but today is a very hard day."

Principal with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers Dimi Ioannou said the findings were a confirmation of what the families had suspected all along.

"These findings have confirmed what we have said all along - that Charlie and Jack's deaths were preventable," Ms Ioannou said.

"We hope this case will serve as a warning to all employers about the deadly consequences of poor workplace safety."