A recurring theme across the WorkSafe prosecutions highlighted in previous SafetyNet articles is the risks relating to falls from height. We are beginning to see a stronger response from the Victorian workplace safety regulator as inspectors refer risk-based breaches of duty holders for legal action, regardless of whether an incident has occurred or not.
The catastrophic consequences of falls in the workplace are well known, as are the available control measures - this is particularly true of the construction sector. Despite this knowledge, every year more than 1,400 employees in Victoria are injured due to falls from height.
In the last five years 36 Victorian employees have been killed in workplace falls. Their families and loved ones bear the lifelong pain that results from an employer’s failure or refusal to implement adequate fall prevention controls.
WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Sam Jenkin said, “Fall prevention isn’t an optional extra, it’s the standard, and WorkSafe will take the strongest possible action against those who fail to uphold it.”
“Whether you’re a builder, a subcontractor, employer or anyone with control or management of a workplace, health and safety is your responsibility,” Mr Jenkin said.
WorkSafe has said that preventing falls is now an enforcement priority across all industries. Inspectors are clamping down on falls risks and are considering more serious action on issues that might previously have resulted in an improvement notice.
So far this year, 18 matters related to falls risks have been the subject of comprehensive investigation with a view to potential criminal charges, while another 21 businesses have received formal written warning letters, which will be taken into account should further breaches be identified.
Employers should expect to see an increase in the number of pure risk prosecutions arising from breaches of an employer’s duty to minimise the risks arising from falls.
For more information and links about falls go to our OHS Reps page Prevention of Falls
Read more: WorkSafe Victoria - Tough approach as workers and families pay price for falls