Source: WorkSafe Victoria

Employers and workers are being reminded that even a small falling object can hit hard – from a seemingly harmless bolt striking with the force of a fast motorcycle to a sledge hammer packing the punch of a city bus.

Falling objects remain a leading cause of workplace harm in the building industry and also pose a risk to members of the public near work sites, with more than 280 construction workers injured since the start of 2023 and countless near miss incidents in recent years.

To highlight the risk, WorkSafe has published an animated video outlining the circumstances and factors that led to a sprinkler head falling 26 storeys from a Melbourne construction site in March 2020, landing close to workers at street level.

WorkSafe’s dropped object calculator – which allows users to select the weight of an object to discover how much damage it could cause when falling from a certain height – estimates the sprinkler head would have struck the ground at more than 153 kilometres per hour, with the same force as being hit by a car on the street.

The video was produced as part of an Enforceable Undertaking worth more than $195,000 entered into with Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd following the incident, which also includes funding the promotion of educational materials and a scholarship.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin urged construction workers and duty holders to watch the video, which uses investigation findings to recreate the incident and explains the steps that duty holders should have taken to reduce the risk.

“Every year hundreds of workers are seriously injured by falling objects,” Mr Jenkin said.

“Alarmingly, WorkSafe inspectors continue to see near misses where objects fall from construction sites – and it’s only luck that prevents someone below being seriously injured.”

The falling sprinkler head was just one of many serious incidents involving falling objects on construction sites in the past five years, including:

• In September 2024, an 850 millimetre long steel smoke baffle falling from level 21 of a building under construction on to a public road in South Yarra.
• In April 2024, a 50 millimetre piece of render falling from the fourth floor of a CBD construction site and striking a pedestrian on Rose Lane.
• In November 2023, a six millimetre checker plate falling from a hoist on level six of a building under construction in the CBD, landing in an unlocked exclusion zone.
• In December 2022, a mounting bracket weighing 12 kilograms falling 34 storeys onto Collins Street, before bouncing onto the footpath in close proximity to pedestrians.
• In March 2022, a steel plate weighing around 12 kilograms falling between 13-15 storeys from a South Melbourne high rise project, narrowly missing a worker on the ground below.
• In May 2020, an electrical testing device accidentally knocked into the lift shaft of a Melbourne office building hitting a worker 39 metres below.

Mr Jenkin said risk control measures for falling objects were well known so there was no excuse for duty holders failing to implement them.

“Things like gaps in safety screens on mid and high-rise construction sites, missing kick boards on scaffolding or debris or materials coming loose while being lifted can have devastating consequences for anyone caught below at the wrong time,” he said.

WorkSafe enforcement action against 10 companies for incidents involving falling objects in construction has resulted in more than $1.05 million in fines, costs and undertakings since start of 2023.

Employers and site duty holders must ensure they prevent falling objects by:

• Eliminating the risk through off-site assembly of equipment that would otherwise be performed at an elevated edge.
• Using containment systems or securing objects through substitution, isolation or engineering controls.
• Using guardrail systems that incorporate mesh infill panels and kickboards.
• Isolating the risk with barricades or fencing to create exclusion zones at ground level.
• Implementing engineering controls such as perimeter safety screens, overhead protection gantries, enclosed perimeter scaffolding, and restraining loose material.
• Using administrative controls such as lines markings and signage to advise lanyard systems are to be used on tools, or to monitor the possibility of windy weather.

Article By Association Secretary and Strategic Programs Manager, Deborah Chick

Working at heights is one of the most hazardous tasks across various industries, including construction, maintenance, telecommunications, and energy. Falls from heights consistently rank among the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities worldwide. In Australia alone, falls from a height accounted for 15% of worker fatalities in 2025, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety protocols. One of the most critical components of these safety measures is training.

Organizations like the Working at Heights Association (WAHA) are dedicated to improving industry standards and promoting the importance of training in this high-risk sector. Let’s explore why training is essential and how it contributes to a safer working environment.

In many countries, including Australia, workplace safety laws mandate that workers exposed to heights undergo appropriate training to ensure workers are competent. Compliance with these regulations is not just about avoiding fines or penalties; it is about safeguarding lives. The Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act outlines stringent requirements for businesses to ensure workers are competent to perform high-risk tasks. Training ensures that employees understand these legal obligations and can apply safe work practices in the field.

Working at heights involves a complex array of hazards, from unstable surfaces and weather conditions to the misuse of equipment. Comprehensive training programs teach workers to identify these risks, assess potential dangers, and implement controls to mitigate them. With this knowledge, workers are better equipped to handle the unpredictable nature of working at heights, minimizing the likelihood of accidents.

Training for the effective use of PPE is a cornerstone of working at heights safely. Harnesses, lanyards, anchors, and fall arrest systems are critical for protecting workers from injury or death in case of a fall. However, PPE is only as effective as the user’s knowledge of how to use it properly. Training ensures that workers understand the types of PPE available, how to inspect their gear, and how to correctly wear and use it for maximum safety. Regular refresher courses ensure that workers stay updated on new technologies and safety equipment.

Training provides workers with the practical skills needed to perform tasks safely at heights. These courses often include hands-on practice in real-world scenarios, which boosts worker competence and confidence. When workers feel confident in their abilities, they are less likely to make errors that can lead to accidents. Proper training can transform a potentially hazardous job into a manageable, routine task by fostering a sense of professionalism and self-assurance in workers.

Reducing Incidents and Improving Safety Culture

A well-trained workforce is a safer workforce. Studies show that companies with robust safety training programs have fewer incidents and injuries compared to those that do not prioritize training. Training programs promote a culture of safety within organizations, encouraging workers to take responsibility for their own safety and that of their colleagues. This proactive approach leads to fewer workplace accidents and injuries, resulting in better outcomes for both employees and employers.

Rescue and Emergency Response

While preventing falls is a top priority, it is equally important to prepare for emergencies. In the event of an accident, a fast and effective response can be the difference between life and death. Training workers in rescue operations ensures that they know how to react quickly, efficiently, and safely in case of a fall. This training covers the use of equipment such as rescue kits and proper techniques for retrieving a fallen worker, minimizing the time between an incident and medical intervention.

Cost-Effectiveness

While investing in training programs might seem like an added expense, it is a long-term cost-saving measure. Injuries and fatalities due to falls from heights can lead to significant financial losses for businesses through medical costs, legal fees, insurance premiums, and downtime. By reducing the likelihood of incidents, training can protect businesses from these financial risks, while also ensuring the well-being of their workforce.

There are also immediate productivity gains as a by-product of a more competent, aware and effective workforce. The ability to navigate the space more efficiently leads directly to greater, and safer, output.

Training in the working at heights sector is essential to protect workers from the dangers of falls and ensure compliance with safety regulations. It helps in hazard recognition, proper use of PPE, and instils a culture of safety and preparedness. Organizations such as the Working at Heights Association (WAHA) advocate for high standards of training, which are key to reducing incidents, improving response times in emergencies, and creating a safer workplace overall.

By investing in quality training programs, businesses not only protect their employees but also foster a more productive and secure working environment. The emphasis on continuous learning and upskilling within this sector is vital, as advancements in safety practices and technology continue to evolve, making training an ongoing necessity for all who work at heights. 

For more information on safety standards and training opportunities, explore our website www.waha.org.au

Source: SafeWork NSW

Mennen Constructions Pty Ltd has plead guilty and was fined $180,000 after an incident exposing workers to a risk of death or serious injury. ​

On 11 January 2021, Mennen Constructions Pty Ltd was engaged as the principal contractor for the construction of a new two-storey duplex.​

Mennen Constructions engaged subcontractors for the supply and installation of roofing works on the garage of the site. While a subcontractor was on the garage roof the worker placed his left foot on the fascia at the southern edge. The fascia moved under his weight, causing him to lose balance and fall from the roof and over a dividing fence, landing on the concrete driveway of the neighbouring property and suffering serious injuries.​

It was found that Mennen Constructions had failed to install fall prevention measures, adequately consult, and coordinate activities with the subcontractors, undertake site-specific risk assessment, or provide adequate supervision when workers were performing works on the garage roof. ​

Mennen Constructions Pty Ltd has the right to appeal this sentence.​

Visit the SafeWork NSW website for a comprehensive collection of safety resources, guides and information designed to keep you and your workers safe: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/your-industry/construction

Source: WorkSafe WA

The death of a 71-year-old roof plumber in October is currently being investigated by WorkSafe WA.

The man was reported to have been working on the roof of a vacant factory unit in Malaga when he fell approximately five metres through the metal roof.

WorkSafe investigators are examining the circumstances of the incident with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing future incidents of a similar nature.

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said that this was a tragic incident and relayed her sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends.