Working at heights remains one of the most dangerous activities across industries. Without a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), employers expose workers to serious risks, potential injuries, and significant legal consequences. At ABILITY GROUP, we highlight the importance of compliance and proactive risk management to protect both employees and businesses.
Working At Heights
In 2018, a cabinet maker had workers dismantle a 4.5?metre cool room without a risk assessment or SWMS, after rejecting a contractor’s quote as too costly.
The cool room was suspended on cables and had interlocked panels that had tongue and groove connections, which were inserted into aluminium tracking and riveted together.
All construction workers must comply with OHS laws.
An employee was performing the duties requested by the employer and stepped to the edge of one of the panels he had been walking on, where the panel gave way causing him to fall to the ground sustaining serious injuries.
Wholesale Joinery was hit with a $145k penalty for failing to protect the health and safety of their employee.
Risk prevention is vital, as employers must ensure a safe workplace or face costly fines and compensation claims.
For all you’re your WHS or Workers Compensation needs, please contact our risk and safety specialists.
Source: SafeWork NSW
Title: Working At Heights
Read Time:
Source: NSW Government
Title: Central Coast company fined after worker injured in fall
Read Time: 2 minutes