Working in heat can be hazardous and is a common cause of harm among Australian workers. Some common risks of working in heat include heat-related illness, dehydration, burns and reduced concentration.
Safe Work Australia has updated our guidance material on managing the risks of working in heat. The new guidance reflects changes made to the recommended first aid for heat stroke.
This guide provides practical guidance for a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) on how to manage the risks associated with working in heat, including information on first aid for heat-related illnesses that reflects updated medical advice.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce rhoncus libero in nisi fringilla semper. Suspendisse potenti. Quisque sed mauris est. Etiam lacus neque, laoreet at magna a, scelerisque ultrices sapien.
In August 2021, a worker was seriously injured after falling approximately 6m from a roof through a polycarbonate skylight. It appears he was removing and installing polycarbonate sheeting from the warehouse roof during ad-hoc maintenance.
IMPORTANT
These findings are not yet confirmed and investigations are continuing into the exact cause.
This incident alert highlights the risks associated with working on roofs, especially around skylights, plastic roof sheeting, metal roofs or other fragile roof surfaces. It also reminds us of what’s needed to eliminate or minimise those risks.
Safety issues
Falls, particularly those through roofing, are a major cause of death and serious injury at workplaces. The risk of serious injury from a fall depends mainly whether any fall control measures are implemented, the height at which the work is being done and the surface directly below the work at height area. There may also be additional risk when working on or near fragile roof surfaces. Roofs 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 commencing any work on a roof or at height, all surfaces must be inspected to identify potentially fragile spots. All locations and tasks which could lead to 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).
Whether it’s an existing structure or one under construction, consider skylights and plastic roof sheeting as non-trafficable areas, unless otherwise certified. Even then, ensure the installation has been checked and complies with trafficable installation instructions.
Note: Cut down sheets may need additional fixings and even a missing screw can make a sheet non-trafficable.
Where 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.
Ways to manage health and safety
Taking steps to manage risks is a condition of doing business in Queensland. 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 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 WHS Regulation requires 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 (it’s over 2m and is 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).
Effective controls for the risk of falling from a height are often made up of a combination of controls. Some common control measures can include but are not limited to the following examples:
Constructing a roof with the roof structure on the ground and then lifting it into place – this can eliminate many fall from heights hazards but is only suitable for the construction of some roofs on new structures where the roof can be lifted into place. In addition, lifting the roof into place will create other hazards that need to be addressed.
Using an Elevating Work Platform (EWP) to do work on a roof so workers can remain within the EWP and avoid standing on the roof. This is primarily an example of substituting the 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 particular EWP.
Ensuring safety mesh, complying with AS/NZS 4389:2015, has been installed under the roofing and skylights and perimeter edge protection (complying with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011). 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 the workers installing the safety mesh and edge protection.
Travel restraint systems intended to prevent a fall from a roof edge by physically restricting how close a worker can get to a roof edge. These systems are generally unsuitable where a fall through a roof can occur (i.e., because 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 (i.e., the tethering lines and harness).
Fall arrest systems for work on roofs are the least preferred risk control measure because they do not prevent a fall occurring but arrest the fall once it has occurred. The worker can still be injured, even if the fall arrest system is set up correctly and the worker’s fall is arrested before he/she hits the ground or another obstruction. After the fall, the worker must be rescued both promptly and safely. Fall arrest systems are primarily a form of personal protective equipment but also rely on engineering controls(i.e., anchorage point strength, harness and lanyard design) and administrative controls (e.g., 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.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rick Millar on the 26th of August 2021, due to a recent battle with cancer.
Rick had been the CEO of the WAHA for a little over 2 years, after a distinguished career working with a number of manufacturers of fall protection equipment, in a career lasting over 50 years.
Rick was also a founding member of the SF015 committee for Standards Australia, seeing through the creation and subsequent revisions of the ASNZS 1891 Standard. He is also the current Chair of the ISO fall protection Standard and naturally his experience, generous commitment of time and goodwill to assist people in any way he could, will be sadly missed by all people who had the pleasure of interacting with him.
With the direction and support of the board of the WAHA, Scott Barber has agreed to act as CEO of the organisation and assumes this role immediately. In the days to come we will pass on any further information as necessary to those who may wish to offer messages of support to his friends and family.
Did you know that elevating work platforms, or EWPs, need to be inspected at least annually?
Safe Work Australia has published new guidance for inspecting and maintaining EWPs.
Elevating work platforms are high risk equipment that have caused 9 worker fatalities in the past 5 years (2015-2019). An inspection, maintenance and testing program is crucial to assess their safe operation.
There are different types of EWPs, including:
scissor lifts
self-propelled boom lifts
trailer or vehicle mounted lifts, and
telehandlers with elevating work platform attachment.
Employers are responsible for keeping workers safe and this includes ensuring that plant equipment is inspected and maintained. Employers must also ensure that workers are given the necessary information, training, instruction and supervision to use EWPs safely.
Read SafeWork Australia’s guidance to make sure you are eliminating or minimising the risks of working with EWPs.
Working on roofs involves a high degree of risk, Safe Work NSW and other State and Federal Regulators have been concerned at the mounting number of injuries and death when workers are fitting Solar panels to cottage roofs.
Fitting Solar panels and equipment to the roofs of cottages and other buildings such as high Rise & Industrial Buildings leaves the worker exposed to hazards such as roof access, fragile roofs, electricity, manual tasks, falling objects, exposure to heat and sunlight.
All work on roofs is highly dangerous, even if a job only takes a few minutes. Proper precautions are needed to control these risks and such work may be considered ‘construction work ‘which includes work carried out in connection with fitting to, altering, converting, renovating, repairing, maintaining, demolishing, or dismantling a roof of a structure.
Examples of these activities include tiling, roofing restoration and installing solar panels. Minor work on roofs that is not considered ‘construction work’, for example cleaning roof gutters or replacing individual roof tiles, can also have the same hazards, especially the risk of falls.
Safe Work require those carrying out work on roofs must be trained, competent and instructed in use of the precautions required though do not mandate this training. A ‘method statement’ is the common way to help manage work on roofs and communicate the precautions to those involved.
Contractors should work closely with the client and agree arrangements for managing the work specifically for roof access, roof edges, openings, skylights, and fragile roofs
There is a misconception that Working at height means working at a height of 2 meters or more.
Working at heights is where there is a risk of falling from one level to another – injury and death may occur in heights less than 2 meters and falls from any height can leave workers with permanent and debilitating injuries such as fractures, spinal cord injuries, concussion and brain damage. The risk of serious injury or death from a fall increases when working on roofs.
Hazards to consider in managing fall risks include:
unprotected edges
fragile surfaces
skylights
holes or vents
Additionally, weather conditions such as wind and rain (for example being blown over the edge or slipping on a wet roof surface), trip hazards (for example roof components and protrusions) and overbalancing when close to an edge while hauling components onto the roof or losing grip on steep pitched or sloping roofs.
Workers such as electricians, plumbers, pest control operators, installers of roof aerials, solar panels, and air-conditioning systems, can trip and fall on roofs, through roofs and openings or while accessing or exiting roof areas.
Work Safe statistical figures suggest almost one in five deaths in construction work involve roof work. Some are specialist roofers, but many are just repairing and cleaning roofs.
Main causes: the main causes of death and injury are falling from roof edges or openings, through fragile roofs and through fragile roof lights.
Equipment and people: many accidents could be avoided if suitable equipment was used and those doing the work were given adequate information, instruction, training and supervision.
When planning to work on a roof one of the first areas we should look to is the safe access to a roof which requires careful planning, particularly where work progresses along the roof.
Typical methods to access roofs are:
general access scaffolds;
stair towers;
fixed or mobile scaffold towers;
mobile access equipment;
ladders
roof access hatches.
Roof edges and openings
Falls from roof edges occur on both commercial and domestic projects and on new build and refurbishment jobs. Many deaths occur each year involving smaller builders working on the roof of domestic dwellings
Sloping roofs: sloping roofs require scaffolding to prevent people or materials falling from the edge. You must also fit edge protection to the eaves of any roof and on terraced properties to the rear as well as the front. Where work is of short duration (tasks measured in minutes), properly secured ladders to access the roof and appropriate roof ladders may be used.
Flat roofs: falls from flat roof edges can be prevented by simple edge protection arrangements (there are several different types of edge protection available) – which can be easily mounted and secure the roof edge
Fragile surfaces
Special care needs to be taken when working on fragile roofs, follow a safe system of work using a platform beneath the roof where possible. Work on or near fragile roof surfaces requires a possible combination of staging’s, guard rails, fall restraint, fall arrest and safety nets slung beneath and close to the roof.
Fragile roofs: all roofs should be treated as fragile until a competent person has confirmed they are not. Do not trust any sheeted roof, whatever the material, to bear the weight of a person. This includes the roof ridge and purlins.
Fragile roof lightsare a particular hazard. Some are difficult to see in certain light conditions and others may be hidden by paint. You must provide protection in these areas, either by using barriers or covers that are secured and labelled with a warning.
The risk of falls must be managed using the most effective control measures that are reasonably practicable, in accordance with the hierarchy of controls. If a single control measure is not enough, a combination of control measures can be used. In order of the hierarchy of control, control measures start with eliminating the risk of falls by avoiding the need to work at height.
For example, installing air-conditioning and similar units at ground level, using devices with extension handles to reach items on or near the roof.
Reducing the amount of time spent working on roofs if working at height cannot be avoided, providing the following safe systems of work such as fall prevention devices. This may be achieved through roof safety mesh, guard railing, scaffolding or elevating work platforms if fall prevention devices are not reasonably practicable, use work positioning systems. Additional systems include travel restraints—these are designed to prevent workers from reaching an edge where they could fall, or if work positioning systems are not reasonably practicable, use fall-arrest systems.
Examples of fall arrest systems include catch platforms, individual fall-arrest systems with harnesses and anchor points and safety nets—these are designed to reduce the severity of injury in a fall. For minor roof tasks of short duration (less than a couple of hours) that are carried out in good weather conditions on a standard single storey roof where the roof itself is flat or almost flat, structurally stable, and non-slippery, safe work procedures (e.g., ensuring workers maintain a 2-metre distance from all exposed edges when working on the roof) and the safe use of ladders may be sufficient to minimise the risk of a fall.
Safe Work NSW has released a SOLAR Installers check list which may be found on their web site www.safework.nsw.gov.au/…/solar-installers-safety-checklist other Regulators have work practice documents providing information on Safe Work on roofs, these documents are supported by regulation and should assist in the preparation of safe work practices which may be reflected in the Safe Work Statements.
The safety guide provides the solar industry with clear direction on controlling risk, including a simple safety checklist for people working in the industry, instructions on developing a site-specific safe work method statement and minimum fall protection measures. Businesses that sell, design and install solar systems have duties to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe, and no solar installer should be working on a roof without fall protection in place.
The Working At Height Association of Australia (WAHA) forum, addresses working at height training requirements.
IN EARLY MAY 2021, WAHA ORGANISED A forum bringing together principal trade associations, representatives from SafeWork NSW, a leading industrial law firm and industry groups all identifying with the issues relating to working at heights. The forum was designed to encourage open conversation about height safety and the needs and requirements of the various industry sectors.
Karlene Knighton, SafeWork NSW
The Forum took place in the McKnight training room at 3M, who generously made available its extensive facilities to accommodate the in-depth discussion. WAHA arranged for various presentations from ‘Persons Qualified’ to talk on height safety issues. The day included presentations from various areas of expertise and provided an interactive background to the Forum discussion. Each presentation was extremely informative and each provided attendees an opportunity to question and add to each.
The presentations which were delivered by:
Mr John Makris: Partner – Kingston Reid Kingston Reid is a leading NSW Workplace Health & Safety law firm practising in areas of workplace and occupational health and safety matters. Makris is recognised by the New South Wales legal market and he has been commended by the state’s employment law barristers and solicitors for his expertise and abilities in these areas. Michael Biddle: Chairman of the Working at Height Association Biddle has over 17 years’ experience in the height safety industry as a manufacturer, RTO Manager and Director of a height safety installation and distribution business. Karlene Knighton: Acting Manager, Harm Prevention and Compliance Programs | Construction Services Group SafeWork NSW. Knighton provided insights into the work Safe Work is carrying out to strengthen the understanding of the risks and mitigation of death and injury working at height. David Etheridge Etheridge has vast experience is in construction often working in the position of a Person Conducting Business or Understanding with a background in the supervision of those working at height.
“We should never forget that gravity is no respecter of persons, it affects everyone often with disastrous consequences resulting in serious, permanent injuries or death. Of real concern is that industry statistics gathered by Safe Work Australia and those of the various States and Territories over the last 5 years have shown that despite all the best efforts of regulators, associations and employers the number of injuries and death from working at height has really not changed in any significant way,” said Etheridge.
Rick Millar, CEO of the WAHA
It was recognised that injuries and deaths are not limited to any specific industry group or sector, as all industries are exposed to the hazard although the level of incidence varies considerably. The forum was able to discuss a wide range of issues affecting industry and training both poor and good and managing those risks.
“We should never forget that gravity is no respecter of persons, it affects everyone often with disastrous consequences resulting in serious, permanent injuries or death.
David Etheridge
The forum looked examined the costs of fall incidents, not just the dollar costs but the emotional pressures that these incidents place on all those involved along with time-line losses, production delays in work output, the
WAHA, Safe Work, other organisations and individuals prepare and print numerous documents containing thousands of words relating to the risk of working at height. This documentation is designed to reinforce the messages to those at risk, and yet results do not improve with the injury and death rates remaining fairly constant. The questions attendees of the forum were asked look at and suggest possible changes to, is the way industry looks at the quality of training for working at height. To examine the quality and type of training required, there is a need to understand that any person who is required to work at height should have training to enable them to work safely in what is a high-risk position.
The Regulators work practice documents require those who are involved in working at height should be competent, the requirements of the Regulations ‘kick in’ when someone is working at height often at 2 metres though falls can be from any height, falls from heights lower than metres have resulted in serious injuries and even death. The employer has a duty of care under Section 21 to ensure that plant, and systems of work, are safe and without risks to health, so far as reasonably practicable.
It is recognised that equivalent or better ways of achieving the required work health and safety outcomes may be possible. For that reason, compliance with codes of practice is not mandatory providing that any other method used provides an equivalent or higher standard of work health and safety than suggested by the code of practice. Therefore, the type of training needed will vary depending upon the level of risk involved in doing the work. Some workers will need formal training to do their work safely. This includes: operating high-risk equipment, such as a forklift or cranes; working in high-risk places, such as a construction site. There was an appreciation of this by the attendees of the Forum which became the basis on which the following items were tabled providing a healthy the discussions on each of the points listed here; Points in the discussion included;
• To work towards engagement with Industry • Industry recognition of training programme • Industry modules • Risk management to identify hazards – Recognition of risk • Base Line training to develop skill Sets • Look at a code of practice present future skill requirements • Standardised training content – Several layers of training / skill sets • To develop Quality training module content – What does this include and what are the expected outcomes? • Possible work check and balances • Association led training packages • Working at heights passport system – Would need industry recognition
The meeting thought that WAHA should work towards a training programme acceptable to industry which would include a balance of theory and practice to provide a reasonable level of knowledge to help towards the recognition of risk developing a clear vision of what we are looking to achieve and how to achieve the outcomes expressed at the Forum. We can only reduce the injuries, death and high cost from working at height with support and assistance provided by Industry working together providing a way forward, WAHA in conjunction with the International Exhibition & Conference group are looking to present a more in depth look at the possible changes and Industry acceptance of the changes relating to Working at Heights training where we would invite industry representatives to join us at the Safety Conference in Sydney on September 7th and 8th 2021.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland confirm there have been numerous incidents at Queensland workplaces this year involving cranes and lifting equipment that had the potential to cause serious injury to workers.
The cause of these incidents can be broken into five broad categories:
failure due to incorrect slinging and rigging techniques
loose objects falling from loads being lifted
loads colliding with adjacent structures or plant causing items to dislodge and fall
cranes not being used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
incorrect crane selection and siting.
Incorrect rigging and slinging techniques
Workers should be trained and verified to perform tasks and it is vital the crane is rigged to the manufacturer’s instructions. If practicable, utilise engineered lifting points.
These measures should be complemented by:
selecting the right equipment, ensuring chains/slings have sufficient WLL, and when lifting with synthetic slings, using sling protection
following guides provided by the designer, manufacturer or supplier and consulting with workers, with pre-start meetings discussing proposed safe methods
ensuring doggers/riggers in control of the load are outside the zone where they could be struck – and implementing exclusion zones so workers not involved are outside the lifting area
ensuring equipment is inspected and is up to date as specified by the manufacturer.
Loose objects falling from loads being lifted
Ensure a safe system of work is in place to conduct, inspect and remove all loose items from loads prior to lifting (e.g. loose z-bar nuts on formwork shutters, items above the fill line of a skip bin) and don’t overfill bins or lifting boxes. Avoid items that protrude or overhang from the bin or lifting box.
Cover bins and lifting boxes and don’t rely on plastic wrap or similar methods to retain objects lifted in bulk. Loose items should be inside a lifting box/cradle or strapped with form ply.
Loads colliding with adjacent structures or plant
Before work begins, design the workplace layout to locate storage and delivery areas away from structures so that loads can be lifted free of obstructions. Use tag lines to stabilise loads where required and monitor wind conditions and only lift when safe to do so.
Ensure that the dogger or rigger has clear sight of the load and can direct the crane operator as needed. Plant like concrete placing booms should be away from the crane or the lifting operations – and if other equipment is operating on site, have a safe system of work for the interaction.
Cranes not being used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
All operators need the appropriate high-risk work licence for the type of crane, and familiarisation training must be conducted for the specific crane. Procedures must be in place to ensure workers follow the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly during setup and shutdown.
Incorrect crane selection and siting causing crane overturning
Ensure the right capacity crane is selected to prevent the plant from overturning and at all times focus on the heaviest loads and maximum lift radius. Consultation should occur to verify the safest site location for assembly, with ground conditions assessed.
An amendment has been released for ASNZS 1891.4 – Industrial Fall-arrest systems and Devices: Selection Use and Maintenance.The amendment is not to any content other than references to standards that have been introduced or changed since the standard was first written.
This includes:– ASNZS 5532 addition– ASNZS 1891.5 addition and removal of AS/NZS 1891.1 references to lanyards and pole straps– ASNZS 4488 removal and addition of ISO 22846
A small business owner has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment (plus an additional 18 months suspended), a $2,250 fine and his company fined $605,000 in the first custodial sentence for a safety prosecution in WA history. This is also the highest fine ever issued in WA for a workplace safety breach.
The Director and the company pleaded guilty to gross negligence causing the death of one worker and serious injury to another.
The Director owned and operated a small shed building company. In March 2020, the two workers were installing roofing when strong winds caused a roof sheet to lift and both workers to fall approximately 9 metres. Neither worker held a high risk work licence or wore a safety harness.
Notably, these types of incidents were known in the industry (particularly in the Esperance region) and the Director was aware of the risks. Despite the Director’s early guilty plea and acceptance of responsibility, the Court considered the failures were of the most serious type.
This decision is the first time an individual has been jailed in WA under the existing safety legislation and is significant as it:
clarifies the misconception that industrial manslaughter is a new concept for WA when the possibility of a jail sentence for a serious breach of safety legislation has always been the reality;
is a clear indication that the safety regulators in WA will be willing to use new industrial manslaughter provisions to their full extent when the new WHS laws commence (in respect of officers and persons conducting businesses and undertakings); and
demonstrates Courts will issue penalties for safety breaches that are in line with the new, significantly higher, penalty regimes.
Considerations for employers
While safety is often considered a purely operational matter, this decision and outcome demonstrates that responsibility for safety exists at every level of an enterprise.
Employers and officers should be taking note of this decision and the attitude of the regulator in bringing a prosecution of this type against an individual, particularly in light of the impending Work Health and Safety Act 2020(WHS Act) which places express obligations on officers in respect of safety and strengthens the framework for individual officer prosecutions.
Under the WHS Act, industrial manslaughter can result in individuals being liable for a maximum fine of $5,000,000 and/or up to 20 years imprisonment and corporations for a maximum fine of $10,000,000.
Due diligence provisions for officers require that they be familiar with the operational risks of the business, the systems to manage those risks and that they take steps to verify that the systems are in place and effective. A failure to take these steps may see officers liable for safety breaches, including where there has been a significant incident.
We recommend employers and individual officers actively review the safety arrangements currently in place and begin taking steps to ensure that they are ready for the introduction of the WHS Act.
Did you know that most people who are seriously injured or killed, fall from a height of four metres or less.
Ladders, incomplete scaffolds, a roof edge or falling through fragile roof sheeting are the major causes of injuries.
More than 12,000 workers were injured after falling from a height between 2014 and 2017. 25 died and more than 240 were permanently disabled.
In this episode of the SafeWork NSW SafetyCast, our host Belinda Orriss talks falls from heights with Kane Scott, a Manager in our Construction Services Group.
