Inspectors targeting working at height

WorkSafe Victoria’s February crackdown on dangerous work at height on housing and small to medium construction sites will continue through to the end of March.

The inspections are part of a national safety campaign targeting falls prevention in the construction industry.

Safety inspectors will visit construction sites, issuing improvement or prohibition notices where established safety laws are breached.

In 2007, two Victorian construction workers fell to their deaths and almost 300 more made claims for falling injuries.

“Working at height is part of construction work, but don’t assume that because you or your workers have never had [an accident] that you’re working safely. You may have been lucky,” WorkSafe’s Construction and Utilities division director Chris Webb said.

“All employers have a legal duty to ensure that any worker required to work at heights can do so safely and without risk to their life or health.”

For falls prevention publications and safety information, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.