WorkCover issues warning on working from heights
12/08/2010
WorkCover NSW is investigating an incident where a 60-year-old worker sustained serious head injuries after falling four metres on to a concrete surface.
The incident occurred at around 10am this morning at a Toormina factory complex where it is understood the worker fell from a makeshift work platform that had been placed on a forklift.
The worker, who was involved in the construction of a shed at the time of the incident, was taken to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.
General Manager of WorkCover’s Occupational Health and Safety Division, John Watson, said working at heights is a dangerous activity that needs due diligence.
“Under workplace safety laws employers must have risk assessment and control measures in place and all workplaces should have a system in place to reduce the hazard of falls,” Mr Watson said.
“Falls from heights are preventable. I urge all employers and sole traders to review their work at height procedures and ensure they have adequate and safe systems of work in place,” he said.
Workplace safety laws require specific measures to control the risks associated with working at heights. When working from heights it is important to ensure:
- adequate induction and training is received before starting work
- safe access and walkways are provided to all parts of your workplace
- the area they are working on is stable
- physical barriers are in place over exposed edges
- appropriate personal protective equipment is used
Risk control measures that can be used for prevent falls include:
- temporary work platforms such as scaffolding
- mobile elevating work platforms such as boom type or scissor lift
- guardrails placed around pits, tanks, floor openings or exposed edges
- industrial fall arrest systems, designed to stop a fall using safety lines such as harnesses and lanyards
WorkCover has sent an inspector to the site and has commenced a formal investigation into the incident.
For more information on working with heights including the free publications Safe working at heights, and the Code of Practice: Safe Work on Roofs Parts 1 and 2 visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50.