Many workplace injuries and deaths occur as a result of a fall. Falls from roofs, ladders and other equipment, as well as falls into shafts and pits, have caused 20 per cent of workplace fatalities in the last three years and many more work-related injuries. In an attempt to address this danger, new Occupational Health and Safety regulations together with codes of practice for the construction industry have been introduced. The regulations seek to make employers and employees aware of the risk factors in their job situation and, where appropriate, implement systems and safety measures to reduce the likelihood of falling accidents.

The Occupational Health and Safety (Prevention of Falls) Regulations 2003 came into operation on 31 March 2004 and apply to all Victorian workplaces where there is a chance of someone falling more than two metres. The regulations apply to all employees including independent contractors engaged by an employer. Some notable exceptions from the regulations, as outlined in regulation 105, include persons involved in stunt work, acrobatics, theatre, sports and athletic activities, bike or horse riding and rock climbing.
The regulations outline an employer’s duty to identify those tasks that could involve a fall hazard and undertake a risk assessment of the likelihood of a fall. The risk assessment takes into account the surrounding circumstances of the work area, for example, noting the presence of supporting surfaces, the proximity of powerlines and trees and the prevailing weather conditions. Once identified, the employer has a duty to eliminate or reduce the risk of a fall through the use of suitable fall prevention strategies. The implementation of emergency and first aid procedures and the provision of instruction and training to employees make up the employer’s obligations in relation to this specific workplace risk.
Employees have corresponding obligations under the regulations. Employees need to be aware of the safety measures taken by their employers and adopt the training and safety procedures put in place, including the correct use of safety equipment.

Two codes of practice have been developed by Worksafe Victoria to provide a practical guide on implementing the regulations in specific industries. Codes of practice for the Prevention of Falls in General Construction and in Housing Construction have been provided to address the specific dangers associated with the high levels of falls in these industries. Copies of the codes and summaries of the regulations can be downloaded from the Victorian Workcover Authority website: www.workcover.vic.gov.au.

The Occupational Health and Safety regulations and codes of practice addressing the prevention of falls will provide useful guidance in those industries where falls are an ever present danger to employees. Any measures that seek to educate employers and employees to operate in safer workplaces benefit all of us.