Calls across the country are pleading for greater care to be taken when working at heights following three fatalities across Australia last week.
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news from Australasia’s lifting industry.
- Don’t miss a lift and subscribe to our monthly magazine.
- Download our latest digital magazine to catch up on the biggest news and developments in the crane industry.
WorkSafe Victoria and WorkSafe Western Australia both announced last week that fatalities had occurred caused by either mobile plant or falling from heights, leading to both safety bodies to call for greater care from PCBUs and to review their safety procedures.
“The incidents on Wednesday in O’Connor and Dalwallinu are a tragic reminder of the risks associated with operating mobile plant in workplaces,” said acting WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner, Sally North. “There’s a large amount of guidance on WorkSafe’s website about plant safety, and I encourage PCBUs to take a fresh look at their safe work procedures in line with that guidance and in consultation with workers.”
Dr Narelle Beer, WorkSafe Victoria Executive Director Health and Safety, said the rise in falls from heights in Victoria that has seen six serious incidents in three weeks was frustrating due to the preventable nature of the incidents.
“A fall can happen in just seconds, but the consequences can last a lifetime, including devastating injuries and loss of life,” Dr Beer said. “It might be easy to think that a tragic incident will never happen on your site, but if safety is not the top priority every day, then the chances are high that it will.”
WorkSafe Western Australia’s mobile plant guidance can be found here, while fall-prevention strategies from Work Safe Victoria can be read in full here.
READ MORE:
- WorkSafe announces upcoming blitz.
- VIDEO – Mine accident recreated to enhance safety around pick and carry cranes.
- New Work Cover scheme set to limit workers access to benefits.