Fall protection failings lead to $5000 fine

16 November 2006

 Allowing contractors to work without fall protection at up to five metres above the ground has earned a north-east Victorian company a conviction and $5000 fine. 

 

Benalla Magistrate Peter Couzens was told a WorkSafe inspector saw a man working between four and five metres above the ground at a site at the corner of Mary and Bridge Streets Benalla on 1 February 2005.

 

Eighty Fourth Jettison Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to one charge laid under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.*

 

The court was told a man was rolling-out wire roofing mesh at the time of the incident.

 

Magistrate Couzens said despite the experience of the worker, there was potential for serious injury or death if he fell.

 

The director of WorkSafe’s Construction and Utilities Division, Geoff Thomas, said the dangers of working at height were well known as were the remedies.

 

“Businesses and contractors need to ensure fall protection is provided to people who could fall two metres or more, and they need to make sure it is used.  

 

“Workers need to recognise that self-preservation and that of their mates must be a high priority.

 

“With the potential of a fall from five metres there was a high risk of death or permanent injury, Mr Thomas said.

 

“No one should be put in the position of having to call someone’s family to say, ‘There’s been an accident’.”

 

Two people have died this year in work-related falls on construction sites.

 

WorkSafe’s website, www.worksafe.vic.gov.au has a wide range of safety information, including publications and guidance material on fall protection aimed at construction, transport and the farm sector.

 

WorkSafe’s advisory service can be contacted on 1800 136 089.

 

* The charge: Section 21(1) & (2)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 refers to the duty of employers to provide and maintain a safe workplace.