Over the coming months WorkSafe inspectors are checking construction sites to make sure fall risks are being controlled, and scaffolds are safe and fit for purpose.
With the holiday season fast approaching WorkSafe is reminding all employers, builders, site managers, contractors and workers to put safety first. We want all construction workers go home safely and enjoy this holiday season.
With the holiday season fast approaching WorkSafe is reminding all employers, builders, site managers, contractors and workers to put safety first. We want all construction workers go home safely and enjoy this holiday season.
Fall prevention
In Victoria, two workers have been fatally injured this year due to falls, with many more workers sustaining life-changing injuries.
Common fall hazards on construction sites
Falls incidents are often associated with:
Scaffolding safety
Wherever scaffolding is being used, it is important to understand how to identify hazards and control risks associated with the use of scaffolding.
WorkSafe inspectors are also checking processes are in place to ensure scaffolding is and remains safe, and is fit for the task(s) it is being used for.
Each year there are numerous incidents involving:
More information: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/construction
In Victoria, two workers have been fatally injured this year due to falls, with many more workers sustaining life-changing injuries.
Common fall hazards on construction sites
Falls incidents are often associated with:
- working on or near unprotected edges
- using unsafe or incomplete scaffolds
- using inappropriate ladders or unsafe ladder use
- falling from roofs or through fragile roofs or skylights
- falling from trucks or plant
- falling through stair-voids
- falling into holes, pits or shafts.
Scaffolding safety
Wherever scaffolding is being used, it is important to understand how to identify hazards and control risks associated with the use of scaffolding.
WorkSafe inspectors are also checking processes are in place to ensure scaffolding is and remains safe, and is fit for the task(s) it is being used for.
Each year there are numerous incidents involving:
- people falling from scaffolds that are incomplete or have been altered without authorisation
- scaffold collapse or failure of components due to incorrect assembly, incompatible componentry, overloading or unauthorised alteration (eg tie removal)
- people falling from scaffolding due to misuse (eg standing on guardrails)
- objects falling off scaffolds and hitting people below
- scaffolds being struck by mobile plant or vehicles, or being snagged by a crane.
- there is an appropriate footprint for scaffold to be erected
- it is constructed on a stable surface or solid ground that is capable of bearing the imposed loads
- where required, appropriate ties or other means of stabilisation are used
More information: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/construction
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