This campaign has been initiated by the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities as falls from height continue to be a hazard that results in a significant number of deaths and injuries within the construction industry each year.
The following workplace safety authorities have joined forces to mount a coordinated campaign of inspector visits to construction sites in Australia:
Participating Safety Authorities
The campaign will run during February and March, involving visits to at least 900 sites. The construction sectors being targeted, during this particular campaign, are housing and small-scale general construction sites with a project value of up to $3 million.
During the campaign, inspectors will pay particular attention to finish and fit-out work, roof work, bricklaying and rendering, as well as work associated with stairways or balconies.
The campaign's aim is to raise fall prevention awareness in the housing and small-scale general construction sector of the industry by providing advice and guidance material, and securing compliance through enforcement activities for high-risk safety concerns.
Advice on preventing falls from height on construction sites is freely available from WorkCover NSW and includes:
You can get copies from the WorkCover Assistance Service on 13 10 50, or visit your nearest WorkCover office.
If you need further advice to improve health and safety at your worksite, phone 13 10 50.
The WorkCover NSW construction team can also run four-hour 'Managing for safety' workshops for small construction businesses to assist in developing work procedures and safe work method statements for businesses that work at heights please call 02 4321 5978.
Melissa Chaston HWSA Fall Prevention Campaign Joint Coordinator 14 January 2008