New Issue from SafeWork NSW - Working at Heights in Construction

SafeWork NSW recently released a statement for Working at Heights in Construction. They’ve stated that, “inspectors are targeting work at heights safety, as part of our ongoing focus on reducing fatalities and serious injuries in the construction industry.”  (MBA, Issue 39 of 2020, 2 October, 2020)
 
 
Why is this happening?
This is happening because SafeWork has stated some unsettling statistics of falls that have been reported to them.  They’ve stated that, “so far this year, there have been 3 fatal and 25 serious falls reported to SafeWork NSW in the construction industry alone, 8 of which were falls through fragile or brittle roofs including skylights.”  (MBA, Issue 39 of 2020, 2 October, 2020)
 
SafeWork has found that their inspectors have continued “to see unacceptable compliance levels when it comes to working at heights on construction sites, with Sydney sites being the worst offenders.”  (MBA, Issue 39 of 2020, 2 October, 2020)
 
 
Here’s what you need to know:
“During the blitz, inspectors will focus on work near voids and edges, and on roofs. Inspectors will take a zero-tolerance approach to those putting workers lives at risk when it comes to working at heights.”  (MBA, Issue 39 of 2020, 2 October, 2020)
 
 
What we can do:
Safety is one of our core values and focuses as an industry leader. We continue to innovate and look for the best way possible to ensure our sites are as safe as they can be, and always seek new methods with the newest technology. In return, our own staff have complete confidence in their ability to complete their work safely and at a high level. This also allows for clients to have the peace of mind their site has minimal risk and exposure to any incident. 
 
SafeWork has outlined what we can do to protect our workers:
 

• Assess roofs for fragile and brittle materials and ensure controls are in place to prevent persons falling through the roof
  
  
• Provide adequate edge protection by using jump screens, scaffolding or guardrails - ensuring ALL components are in place
  
  
• Securely cover and visibly mark, or edge protect, all open voids/penetrations in formwork or concrete slabs
  
  
• Ensure scaffolds are installed, regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person, and that a handover certificate is provided prior to use
  
  
• Use a suitable working platform such as scaffolding, boom lifts or scissor lifts Provide workers with safe means of access and egress to work areas
  
  
• Only use fall restraint or fall arrest systems when edge protection or work platforms are not reasonably practicable
  
  
• Many falls take place when people are using ladders. You should consider whether an elevating work platform or scaffolding would be safer and more efficient. (MBA, Issue 39 of 2020, 2 October, 2020)

 
For more information see the SafeWork NSW website or call 13 10 50.
 
Our dedicated team consistently reviews and adapts our WHS management plan to ensure a thorough execution and our approach to safety is always relevant. With strong attention to detail, and adherence to current safety regulations and legislation, we have established a safety program that is unmatched. This has allowed us to be a leader in the industry with one of the top safety records and makes us a desired workplace for our staff. 
 
In addition to our outstanding safety measurements through our construction side of the business with Ideal Roofing, we also have this on our service side of the business through Ideal Asset Maintenance.  One of our programs is SAFETY+, which is dedicated to creating a safer environment for anyone accessing your roof systems.  Roof safety is a priority and - as we are now aware from SafeWork’s statement – it is more pressing than ever with heavy monitoring of compliance with current legislation and regulation across Australia. Building owners are forced to ensure all roof areas not only be current Building Code but also today's safety standards, otherwise they run large risk of fines and damages should an audit take place or injury on site. With this in mind, our goal is to ensure all our clients are protected and compliant with today's safety standards, and clients are informed with all alternatives for maintaining safety compliance. Using extensive resources, we offer services that can take care of all your roof safety needs annually.
 
For more information on our practices you can visit our WHS page; and if you’d like more information on our SAFETY+ program you can visit it here.
 
As always, if you have any further questions on how our program can fit your needs our team will provide you with the answers for you to make the right decision.  Give us a call on 1300 ASSET1 now!