WorkSafe’s Safety Soapbox newsletter for the construction and utilities industry this month looks at the number one killer on Victorian construction sites – falls.
Over the past six months WorkSafe inspectors have visited 2,103 construction employers across the civil, commercial and housing sub sectors. Inspectors continue to focus on fall prevention to help reduce fatalities and injuries.
A look at prosecutions over the past 18 months shows that approximately $2.2 million in fines and court costs have been for breaches related to working at heights, with the largest penalty being a total of $700,000 in fines for a company repeatedly exposing workers to the risk of falls at three separate worksites.
Free online workshops on falls prevention are available through to December, giving practical advice and links to resources to prevent falls, implement risk controls and comply with legislation.
Also in this month’s newsletter, free mental health training to guide employers in protecting their apprentices’ mental health. The training is supported by Apprenticeships Victoria and includes resources and links to relevant programs and materials.
The construction sector incidents and injuries summary this month takes a closer look at electricians, who accounted for 9% of all claimed injuries withing the industry. Over half of those injury claims involved 20 to 24 year olds who work for small employers, with upper limbs being the most injured body part.
You can subscribe to receive WorkSafe’s monthly Safety Soapbox newsletter for the Construction and Utilities industries here.
Read more: Safety Soapbox | August 2026