WorkSafe aims high for scaffold safety.  Available from <http://www.psnews.com.au/act/542/news/worksafe-aims-high-for-scaffold-safety> [Updated Thursday, 16 March 2017] 

The safety of scaffolding on Canberra’s construction sites will be the focus for WorkSafe ACT inspectors this month.

Commissioner for Work Safety, Greg Jones said falls from heights were one of the most common and debilitating accidents that could occur in a workplace.

“This is the latest of a series of audits of high-risk activities to be undertaken by WorkSafe ACT, following a focus on crane safety at the end of last year,” Mr Jones said.

He said since 2014 there had been 476 claims for workers compensation in the ACT relating to falls from heights.

“Even a 2-metre fall can cause serious injury or be fatal,” Mr Jones said.

“We know that falls are the leading cause of death in construction every year.”

He said these deaths were preventable and WorkSafe ACT wanted to work with industry to ensure serious accidents were being actively prevented through the delivery of best practice.

“Scaffolding, when used appropriately, can support safety when working at heights, but can also be a high risk if the scaffolding is not used the way it should be,” Mr Jones said.

“We will be working to educate as well as ensure compliance from the industry during this proactive audit.”

He said the audit would include the inspection of both commercial and residential construction sites during March and April.

Mr Jones said the Housing Industry Association, Master Builders ACT and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union had been consulted by WorkSafe ACT on the scope of the audit and all were fully supportive of the approach.

WorkSafe aims high for scaffold safety.  Available from <http://www.psnews.com.au/act/542/news/worksafe-aims-high-for-scaffold-safety> [Updated Thursday, 16 March 2017]