Recently our SafeWork SA Inspectors attended a worksite where a worker fell more than five metres through the ceiling during a roof installation process. The worker sustained a cracked rib and two broken bones in his back. The worker remains off work for several weeks whilst he recovers.
We remind all workers in the housing industry of the greater risk whilst working at heights and that suitable systems of work need to be appropriately considered to prevent falls. Whilst edge protection is commonly used on roof work, it does not prevent falls through roofing structures to levels below. Other forms of fall prevention must be considered, such as catch platforms, scaffolding and the use of safety harnesses. SafeWork Australia has a model code of practice entitled “Managing the risk of falls in housing construction” to address different methods of preventing falls and workers are encouraged to refer to this guide.
We remind all workers in the housing industry of the greater risk whilst working at heights and that suitable systems of work need to be appropriately considered to prevent falls. Whilst edge protection is commonly used on roof work, it does not prevent falls through roofing structures to levels below. Other forms of fall prevention must be considered, such as catch platforms, scaffolding and the use of safety harnesses. SafeWork Australia has a model code of practice entitled “Managing the risk of falls in housing construction” to address different methods of preventing falls and workers are encouraged to refer to this guide.
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