Month: August 2023

As of the 17th of August 2023, Brendan Sutton has accepted the role of Chairperson for the Working at Height Association (WAHA) of Australia. Brendan assumes this role from Michael Biddle, who has served as the chair of WAHA for over 14 years. 

“I can think of no better person to hand the reins of the WAHA to, than Brendan Sutton. With outstanding height safety expertise and a great level of personal energy, I know the association will be in good hands under Brendan’s leadership. I look forward to supporting Brendan in his transition to the Chairperson’s role”

Michael Biddle

Brendan is the Managing Director of Altura – Height Safety Professionals, a professional height safety and access consultancy based in Perth, WA.

Brendan has been reviewing and designing maintenance access and height safety systems across the built environment since 2004 and has accumulated an impressive portfolio of successful works. Brendan has served as a Director of the WAHA since 2020. Specialising in the development of complex access strategies, Brendan has extensive experience within the building and construction industry. His passion for projects that combine architectural, engineering and equipment design – making him a key resource to the Association.

“Michael has provided an immeasurable contribution to the association during his time. Whilst he is one of the uniquely matched professionals within our industry to perform as the Chairman, we recognise that for the association to be sustainable and grow it can’t be reliant on any single person. Moreover, it goes without saying that Michael has more than fulfilled his obligation to the role and deserves an opportunity to focus on other priorities. I’m honoured by the encouragement from my fellow board members to step into this position and feel excited about the future prospects of the association. I’m confident that the board and leadership team will bring more value and positive influence to the industry going forwards”

Brendan Sutton

Michael will continue to be involved with the Association as a Director. With a lengthy history and a wealth of expertise and knowledge in height safety and confined space matters, we are pleased to have his input continue within the Association.

Source: WorkSafe Queensland

In June 2023, a worker was fatally injured when he fell through a polycarbonate roof panel, approximately five metres onto a concrete floor. Early enquiries indicate the worker was about to clean solar panels when he fell through the panel.

Safety issues

Falls, particularly through roofing, are a major cause of workplace deaths and serious injuries. The risk from a fall depends mainly on:

• fall control measures
• the height at which the work is being done
• the surface directly below the work at height area.

There may also be additional risk when working on or near fragile surfaces. Surfaces are likely to be fragile if they are made with:

• asbestos roofing sheets
• poly carbonate sheets (alsynite) or plastic commonly used in skylights
• fibre cement sheets
• liner panels on built-up sheeted roofs
• metal sheets and fasteners (especially when corroded).

Before working on any surface at height, inspect the surface to identify potentially fragile spots as well as corroded or damaged fixings. These issues may not be easily identifiable if the lighting is poor.

All locations and tasks which could lead to a fall injury should also be identified. This includes access to areas where the work is to be done. Close attention is required for tasks:

• on any structure or plant being constructed or installed, demolished or dismantled, inspected, tested, repaired or cleaned
• on a fragile surface (for example, poly carbonate or cement sheeted roofs, rusty metal roofs, fibre glass sheeting roofs and skylights)
• on a sloping or slippery surface where it is difficult for people to maintain their balance (for example, on glazed tiles or a metal roof that is wet from morning dew or rain)
• near an unprotected open edge or internal void area (for example, removed roof sheeting)
• where the demolition or dismantling sequence is important in ensuring the surface can continue to support the worker.

Where surfaces are non-trafficable, provide appropriate fall prevention/protection measures and develop work methods to prevent people from stepping or falling onto these surfaces.

To ensure the necessary control measures are being applied as the work progresses, an ongoing review of the work should also be carried out.

Safety issues both general and specific to the incident are included here.

Ways to manage health and safety

Effective risk management starts with a commitment to health and safety from those who manage the business. If an incident occurs, you’ll need to show the regulator that you’ve used an effective risk management process. This responsibility is covered by your primary duty of care in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Use the hierarchy of controls to help decide how to eliminate and reduce risks in your place of work. The hierarchy of controls ranks types of control methods from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest. It’s a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing risks. You must work through the hierarchy of controls when managing risks, with the aim of eliminating the hazard, which is the most effective control.

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

In managing the risk of falls, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011requires specific control measures to be implemented, where it is reasonably practicable to do so. For example:

• if it’s construction work, then Chapter 6 of the WHS Regulation applies
• if the work meets the definition for high-risk construction work (over 2m and a complete roof replacement of a large shed), then a safe work method statement must be prepared as per Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. Further regulations would also then apply (for example Part 6.3 Sub-division 2 ‘Falls’ which provides prescriptive control measures).

The Managing the risk of falls at workplaces code of practice 2021 (PDF, 3.9 MB)provides practical guidelines to meet requirements.

The most effective control measure is to eliminate the risk of a fall by working on the ground or from a solid construction. If the cleaning cannot be carried out from ground-level or a solid construction, then you will need to, so far as is reasonably practicable, minimise the risk of a fall. Effective controls for the risk of falls from height are often made up of a combination of controls. Common control measures can include, but are not limited to:

• Using an Elevating Work Platform (EWP) so workers can remain within the EWP and avoid standing on the surface. This is primarily an example of substitutingthe hazard for a lesser hazard. However, an EWP design may also be considered an engineering control measure and the EWP must be assessed to determine whether it is the most suitable one for the task/s.
  • The safe operation of EWPs also relies on safe work procedures (i.e. administrative controls), which includes ensuring operators hold the relevant High Risk Work Licence HRWL (where required) to operate the EWP.
• Installing safety mesh, complying with AS/NZS 4389:2015 under the roofing and skylights and erect perimeter edge protection (complying with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 around the perimeter of the roof. Mesh must be overlapped and secured in accordance with the instructions of the mesh manufacturer. Both safety mesh and edge protection are primarily engineering control measures that address the risk of falling through the roof or off the roof edge. However, safe systems of work need to be implemented for workers installing the safety mesh and edge protection.
• Travel restraint systems intended to prevent a fall from an edge by physically restricting how close a worker can get to the edge. These systems are generally unsuitable where a fall through a roof can occur (where the roof is fragile or there is no safety mesh under the roof sheeting). They also largely rely on worker training and the worker following a safe system of work. A travel restraint system is a combination of an engineering control (system design), administrative control and personal protective equipment (PPE)(tethering lines and harness).
• Fall arrest systems are the least preferred risk control measure because they do not prevent a fall occurring but arrest the fall once it has occurred. This relies on the worker being able to attach to the anchorage point prior to getting into a position where the worker could fall. The worker can still be injured, even if the fall arrest system is set up correctly (and is rated to go over an edge) and the worker’s fall is arrested before they hit the ground or another obstruction. After the fall, the worker must be rescued both promptly and safely. Fall arrest systems are primarily PPE but also rely on engineering controls (anchorage point strength, harness and lanyard design) and administrative controls (making sure the lanyard is connected and not too long).

In addition to the hierarchy of controls, the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for the safe operation and use of plant, machinery and/or systems engaged by the PCBU.

Note: Any administrative control measures and PPE rely on human behaviour and supervision, and used on their own, tend to be least effective in minimising risks.

The control measures you put in place should be reviewed regularly to make sure they work as planned.

Source: SafeWork NSW

Reducing the risk of falls from height and exposure to crystalline silica dust are the focus of WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW as they team up for the latest cross border construction blitz in Yarrawonga-Mulwala next week.

Inspectors will visit worksites in Victoria and NSW from 21-25 August to educate employers on their health and safety obligations, identify existing risks and ensure safety requirements remain consistent on both sides of the border.

WorkSafe Director Construction and Earth Resources Matt Wielgosz said proactive inspections in a high-risk industry like construction were incredibly important.

“It’s a million times better to identify and fix safety issues beforehand than it is to see a workmate suffer a horrific injury or death that could’ve been easily avoided.”

Since 2018 in Victoria, there have been 20 fatal falls from height in the construction industry, and construction workers accounted for almost a third of all workers injured in falls, making up 2,283 of the 7,769 claims accepted by WorkSafe.

“Every single injury and death caused by falling from height is preventable if the right safety measures are in place,” Mr Wielgosz said.

Falls from height is the number one cause of traumatic fatalities on NSW construction sites, with 16 people killed between 2018 and 2022. Workers aged between 20 and 29 experience the highest number of falls and those aged over 50 make up the highest number of fatalities.

SafeWork NSW Executive Director Compliance and Dispute Resolution Matt Press said inspectors had proactively visited more than 80 construction sites in the NSW Murray region so far in 2023, issuing 187 improvement notices, 37 prohibition orders and eight penalty notices for unsafe work.

“This year we have also responded to eight dangerous incidents on top of 21 serious injuries, so we’re targeting this cross-border region with our Victorian colleagues to hold duty holders to account on their site safety performance,” Mr Press said.

Inspectors will also seek to ensure employers are identifying high-risk crystalline silica work and preparing hazard control statements prior to commencing the work.

Mr Wielgosz said although many in the construction industry knew about the dangers of crystalline silica dust when working with engineered stone, fewer knew that this building material wasn’t the only worry.

“Cutting or crushing products like ceramic tiles, concrete, bricks and marble without appropriate protection can also put workers at risk of respiratory diseases like silicosis.”

“There are, however, measures employers can and must take to protect workers engaged in high-risk silica work, including providing tools with water suppression, supplying well-fitted PPE and carrying out air monitoring,” Mr Wielgosz said.

Since 2018, WorkSafe has accepted 321 injury claims from workers exposed to crystalline silica dust, with 16 reported fatalities.

“These figures are heartbreaking,” said Mr Wielgosz. “But they strengthen our commitment to educating employers and construction workers on the steps they must take to maintain a safe workplace, no matter which side of the border they’re working on.”

WAHA is proud to announce our partnership with the FIA, the national body representing the Formwork Industry.

The Working at Height Association (WAHA) and the Formwork Industry Association (FIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which both organisations have agreed to support activities and education opportunities which enhance safety in the workplace and empower workers to make better decisions whilst working at height.

Both WAHA and FIA have agreed to lend their respective expertise in the professional development of the industry and to provide guidance to each other in the design of content and technical material affecting those key stakeholders. 

Joint activities undertaken as part of this agreement may include: seminars, workshops and training, needs assessment advisory undertakings, qualifications development and professional leadership development.

“The opportunity to collaborate with professional organisations ensures that the WAHA mission is relevant to those affected by working at height and that our activities align with the broader objectives of education and empowerment. Ultimately we are here to ensure people go home safely to their families at the end of the day, and working with respected and established bodies like the FIA helps us both connect with those stakeholders around safety, and make those who in the construction industry a safer one in which to work.“

WAHA CEO Scott Barber

As not-for-profit professional bodies, WAHA and the FIA have long histories of supporting safety in the workplace and the promotion of higher levels of competency for safety. The transfer of skills and knowledge is paramount for active participation in safer work practices.

WAHA is very happy to announce our partnership with the newly formed Scaffolding Association of Australia (SAA), the national body representing the Scaffolding profession across Australia.

The Working at Height Association (WAHA) and Scaffolding Association of Australia (SAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which both organisations have agreed to support activities and education opportunities which enhance safety in the workplace and empower workers to make better decisions whilst working at height.

Both WAHA and SAA have agreed to lend their respective expertise in the professional development of the industry and to provide guidance to each other in the design of content and technical material affecting those key stakeholders. 

“Safety is a core value that will remain at the forefront of our efforts as an industry association and the Scaffolding Association Australia will work tirelessly towards creating a safety-centric culture within the scaffolding community. Collaborating with the Working at Heights Association will play an essential role in enabling us to lead and advocate for our industry as our mission as industry associations align. Together we can work towards influencing policy decisions, drive industry-wide initiatives, and contribute to the overall growth and development of the construction sector. We look forward to working collaboratively as a combined voice to protect workers at height and continue to advocate for safer workplaces across Australia.”

SAA Managing Director, Robert Thiess.

Joint activities undertaken as part of this agreement may include: seminars, workshops and training, needs assessment advisory undertakings, qualifications development and professional leadership development.

“The opportunity to collaborate with professional organisations ensures that the WAHA mission is relevant to those affected by working at height and that our activities align with the broader objectives of education and empowerment. Ultimately we are here to ensure people go home safely to their families at the end of the day, and collaborating with SAA helps us both amplify the messaging around working at height, and continue to develop education and training materials to make the scaffolding and rigging community a safer one in which to work.“

WAHA CEO, Scott Barber.

As not-for-profit professional bodies, WAHA and SAA support the increased focus on safety in the workplace and the promotion of higher levels of competency. The transfer of skills and knowledge is paramount for active participation in safer work practices.