Fall Related Incidents

by | Feb 13, 2017 | Claim costs, Claim management, Injured Worker, Injury Management, Injury Prevention, Work Health & Safety, Workplace safety

Recently we have been involved with an increased number of fall related incidents. The injuries sustained, & the resulting workers compensation claims, can often be complex & costly. In addition to claim related costs, employers also face material fines for unsafe work sites.

After providing advice and support recently to various clients with workers having sustained injuries (5 metre + 10 metre falls to concrete and an employee falling down fire escape), we wanted to provide greater insights into fall related incidents.

Fall Related Incidents – Lately we have seen an increase in falls within the workplace. Falls that result in a workers’ compensation claim can be quite complex and very costly. On top of the costs associated with the claim, employers can be fined for unsafe worksites. In one incident, a worker fell through a trapdoor at a bottle shop and broke both of her legs. The publican was fined $150,000 for not having safe systems of work, something as simple as a barrier or alternative access to the cellar.

Over the past three years, 19 people have died after falling from a height in NSW workplaces. More than 13,000 were injured and about 200 were permanently disabled.

To assist avoid such mishaps always remember the following three steps:

  1. If the work can be performed from ground level, do so. Wherever possible prefabricate roofs at ground level, reduce shelving heights, pre-sling loads so you don’t have to get on the tray to load or unload trucks, and design windows so they can be cleaned safely from the ground
  2. If it’s not possible to work on the ground, use a fall-prevention device such as an elevated work platform, guard rail or scaffolding
  3. A fall-arrest system is the next best option but it must include a lanyard, harness and anchor. Check the buckle, webbing and D-rings before using it. And, make sure you’re hooked up and not just wearing a harness – yes, it happens

In case of an emergence always call “000” and for less significant incidents, contact us for advice or expert assistance.

For further information please also visit Safe Work NSW