WorkSafe has launched a statewide blitz to tackle fall risks on building sites across Victoria.
The initiative will target fall hazards such as incomplete or unsafe scaffolding, inappropriate ladder use and falling from or through roofs, steps, stairs and voids on construction sites.
In 2023, nine workers in Victoria died as a result of falls from height, with four deaths occurring in the construction industry.
The number of accepted claims from construction workers injured in falls from heights increased to 441, up from 421 in 2022 and 404 the year before.
WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Narelle Beer said inspectors would closely monitor building sites across the state to ensure employers took all necessary measures to prevent falls.
“As a leading cause of injury in the construction industry, falls from height is always a priority for our inspectors – but they will be making this a particular focus as they visit building sites over the coming weeks,” she said.
“The safest way to prevent falls is to work on the ground.
“Where that’s not possible, employers should use the highest level of safety protection possible, such as complete scaffolding, guard railing and void covers.”
Construction remains the industry most at risk for falls from heights, accounting for one-third of the 1352 total claims accepted last year.
Of the construction workers injured, 160 fell from ladders, 46 from steps and stairways, 31 from buildings or structures, 27 from scaffolding, and 13 from openings in floors, walls or ceilings.
Dr Beer said WorkSafe could and would take action against employers who failed to ensure the highest level of risk control measures were in place to protect workers from falls.
“A fall can happen in just seconds, and it can turn your world upside down — so there’s no excuse for taking shortcuts when working at heights,” she said.
The statewide blitz will be supported by fall prevention messaging across social media, newsletters and online, reminding employers and workers that falls can be fatal or cause life-changing injuries.
To prevent falls from height, employers should implement the highest possible measures from the five levels in the hierarchy of controls.
These include eliminating the risk by doing the work on the ground, using passive fall prevention devices such as scaffolds, guardrails, safety mesh or elevating work platforms, using a positioning system, implementing a fall arrest system, or using a fixed or portable ladder or administrative controls.
For more information, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/fall-prevention