Spotlight
Falls from Heights on the Gold Coast
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is currently investigating a series of recent falls from heights which occurred on the Gold Coast. Reports indicate that a worker in Ashmore fell through roof sheeting, landing on the floor four metres below. While not seriously injured, he could have been—the structure through which he fell was not suitable to be walked upon, and measures are being taken to prevent a similar incident.
WHSQ has instructed that, in light of this accident, all roofs should be treated as a risk until determined to be stable. Roofs made from asbestos, fibre cement, polycarbonate, liner panels, chipboard, and glass are some of those deemed likely to be fragile.
If there is a risk of falling through a roof, it is mandatory that control measures and fall arrest systems be put in place by those working in close proximity. Whether these constitute elevated platforms, guardrails, staging, or harnesses with sufficient points of anchorage, they can prove vital to workers’ safety and wellbeing.
Approximately 13% of workplace fatalities in Australia result from falling from heights, and each year roughly 1700 falls cause serious injury to Queensland workers.
WHS legislation ensures that those held responsible, or found in dereliction of safety obligations, can face up to five years in prison and hefty fines. Companies can be fined up to $3 million.
It’s of the utmost importance that both workers and their employers take every precaution to avoid falls, and the various injuries and tragedies that may result.
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This information was garnered from a report by the Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) and WorkCover Queensland.
For more information, and to make sure you are working your safest, see the following:
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/documents/1702/falls-from-height.pdf
https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news/2017/serious-falls-from-height-at-the-gold-coast
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is currently investigating a series of recent falls from heights which occurred on the Gold Coast.
