Man dies after fall at building site

A Kilmore man has died in hospital after falling 2.4 m at a housing development at Doreen last week. WorkSafe Victoria is investigating the incident which happened at a site in Midland Road, Doreen, on 28 June.

WorkSafe understands he was on top of a house frame marking the location of roof trusses when he fell. Three of Victoria’s eight work-related deaths this year have been as a result of falls from height.

On 13 June a man died at Oakleigh South after falling from a factory roof and on 3 February a man fell 2 m through the ceiling of a business at Highett.

Working at height is a major source of serious workplace injuries and deaths, particularly in the construction sector.

“This is a tragedy which should send a message to the entire community - employers and workers alike,” WorkSafe’s construction director, Allan Beacom, said.

“Safety standards must be in place, and applied, at all times. The overwhelming majority of incidents of this type can be prevented at little or no cost.

“It takes only a little time and thought to put safe practices in place, but an ongoing effort is needed to ensure they’re consistently maintained.

“No matter what industry someone is working in, employers must ensure workers have the training and equipment to do their work safely and that they use it.

“Workers have a vested interest in making sure safety equipment is used and that short cuts aren’t taken.”