IT’S incredibly frustrating that falls from height continue to be a leading cause of fatalities and workplace harm in the construction industry – despite extremely effective control measures being available.
More than 1400 workers, an average of four people a day, were seriously injured enough to make a WorkCover claim due to falls from heights last year, including 83 in the Loddon Mallee region.
Tragically, two workers lost their lives.
I’m painfully aware that these are more than just numbers – each one of those injuries represents a life cut short, put on hold, or changed forever.
This is abundantly clear listening to Castlemaine father Brett Struhs tell of his family’s enduring heartbreak after his 21-year-old son, Kyle, died when he fell from a ladder while installing solar panels in 2018.
Kyle was a talented musician, a son, a brother, a friend, a colleague and more. Almost seven years later, his loss is still keenly felt by those who loved him.
Knowing this, it’s infuriating to hear reports of more workers, including young workers like Kyle, whose lives and safety are treated with such little regard by employers in a rush to save time and money.
In many cases, duty holders know they’re doing the wrong thing. WorkSafe inspectors often hear excuses such as “the guard railing is at the depot, “my harness is in the van” or “it was just a quick job”.
The fact is, there is no excuse for putting lives at risk and it’s too late to act once someone has fallen.
Fall prevention is not an optional extra, it’s the necessary standard.
That’s why WorkSafe is taking a tough enforcement approach to preventing falls in construction, with dozens of businesses referred for potential legal action since January.
Already this year, 18 matters related to falls risks are under comprehensive investigation, while another 21 businesses have received written warning letters, which will be taken into account should further breaches be identified.
This is on top of court fines, undertakings and costs totalling more than $1.65 million for 36 employers over falls-related risks last year.
Whether you’re a builder, a subcontractor, or anyone with control or management of a workplace – health and safety is your responsibility, and there are significant consequences if you fail to protect your workers.
