Working from heights
Did you know that in one year 7730 claims for serious injury were lodged due to a fall?
A new report looking at workers compensation claims has found that falls are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in Australian workplace (http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/publications/safe/construction/mar14/work-related-injuries-fatalities-fall-from-height/index.htm#.U37kvBCSxbo).
The best way to minimise this risk is to ensure that safety measures are in place where there is risk of a fall. Risk of a fall means a circumstance that exposes a worker while at work, or other person while at or in the vicinity of a workplace, to a risk of a fall that is reasonably likely to cause injury to the worker or other person.
This includes circumstances in which the worker or other person is:
- • in the vicinity of an opening through which a person could fall
- • in the vicinity of an edge over which a person could fall
- • on or in the vicinity of a surface through which a person could fall, and/or
- • on or near a slippery, sloping or unstable surface.
An employer must manage risks to health and safety. If a person can fall more than two metres, a safe work method statement (SWMS) must be prepared, detailing the hazards, controls, and methods of review and monitoring. It must describe all control measures that have been considered in determining the control measures to implement as well as address the general fall protection requirements.
If you require assistance with writing up statements or ensuring you are compliant please contact us at (07) 5530 1571
