Reminder that vigilance and a ‘safety first’ approach is key to working at heights

Working at heights is an inherently dangerous undertaking and any seemingly small and insignificant act of negligence or complacency can result in large and, at times, tragic consequences.

Site managers in NSW and staff working at heights are once again reminded of the importance of safety vigilance in the wake of a recent ruling that saw an asbestos removal company fined $300,000 and convicted after an employee was fatally injured on site.

Empire Contracting Pty Ltd, based in Smeaton Grange in Sydney’s southwest, was tasked with removing asbestos from the student accommodation at the University of Wollongong, in preparation for demolition, back in 2020. The company was found guilty of “failing to ensure as far as reasonably practicable the health and safety of workers,” after an employee removed his safety harness prematurely before descending a ladder, falling through translucent roof sheeting to the concrete floor below.

On further investigation, it was found that the victim did not have the required qualifications for working at heights.

“Working at any height is an inherently dangerous activity which is why training and support are available for those businesses and employees attending to such duties,” says Acting Head of SafeWork Andrew Gavrielatos. “Relentless vigilance and a ‘safety first’ approach are required in any workplace to help guard against any risks and prevent injuries and deaths.”

Knowing better, doing better

According to recent SafeWork statistics, 11% of workplace fatalities in Australia in 2021 were falls from heights. Most of these incidences could also have been prevented, or had significantly minimised risk, if proper safety measures and procedures were adhered to.

• Managers, building owners or other PCBU have a duty to stay on top of industry and statutory codes and standards, and ensure that all updates are properly communicated to their teams.
• All managers and employees must be familiar with the hierarchy of controls for safely working at heights, including full training on safety procedures and use of any necessary safety equipment, such as the use of PPE equipment, saferails and roof anchor points.
• Anyone working at heights must be appropriately qualified.
• All staff must operate in a safe and responsible manner, for their own health and safety as well as that of others.

We’re on your team

It’s important to have a third-party conduct regular site inspections and compliance audits of your worksite, workplace procedures and safety systems, to mitigate injury risk to workers as much as possible, and to ensure you don’t run the risk of legal consequences. Our team can offer you a streamlined height safety service including inspections, design and installation of custom height safety solutions, and ongoing compliance audits. Reach out today to see how we can help you.