Scaffolding - Falls from Height

WorkSafe ACT was recently notified of an incident where a worker fell 4.2 metres from scaffolding on a residential construction site. This fall from the second story of the structure resulted in hospitalisation and a very serious injury.

The recent spate of falls incidents is concerning to WorkSafe ACT.

Scaffolding must be installed in compliance with Australian Standards (AS1576); Code of Practice Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction; and the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding of more than 4 metres in height can only be erected, altered and dismantled by a competent and appropriately licensed person as defined under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

Scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person before use with additional inspections to be undertaken:

  • following alteration or repair of the scaffold
  • after an incident that might reasonably be expected to affect the stability or adequacy of the scaffold or its supporting structure – for example, after a severe storm, and
  • at intervals not exceeding 30 days.

If an inspection of a scaffold or its supporting structure indicates safety flaws, all appropriate repairs, alterations or additions must be carried out and the scaffold and its supporting structure re-inspected by the same or an alternative competent person before further use.

What should I do if I see scaffolding unfit for purpose?

If you are a worker and think the scaffolding at your workplace is not safe or fit for purpose, do not access it and let your supervisor know immediately. This could include if you think the scaffolding doesn’t look safe, isn’t maintained or it has been modified by someone without a suitable high-risk work licence.

If a scaffold is incomplete and left unattended, there must be appropriate controls in place. Danger tags or warning signs must be used to prevent unauthorised access.

Notify WorkSafe ACT

Falls from height, even if they have not resulted in injury, are notifiable incidents and must be reported to WorkSafe ACT immediately. You can call us on:

  • Business hours: 13 22 81
  • After hours: 0419 120 028

To download a copy of a notifying WorkSafe ACT educational poster detailing when and how to notify WorkSafe ACT of a notifiable incident, click here.

Further Information

For more information, please visit:

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