Mitigating the Risk of Falls

Over the past several months in South Australia, there have been 3 falls from fragile roofing, one of those being a fatality.

SafeWork SA has now issued a Safety Alert in relation to working on this type of roofing, to ensure people understand their responsibilities and requirements when it comes to working on fragile roofs.

The types of roofing where people should take extra care when working on a roof include but not limited to:

• Asbestos roofing sheets
• Polycarbonate or plastic commonly used in skylights
• Roof lights
• Fiber Cement sheets
• Liner panels
• Metal sheets
• Glass, including wired glass
• Chipboard (especially older boards that are damaged)
• Wood slabs, slates and tiles

Risk control measures need to be undertaken and a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required for any work done where the worker is more than 3m off the ground.

Common control measures can include:

• Fall Arrest systems (including harnesses), installed by a licensed scaffolder or rigger
• Safety Mesh
• Temporary Work Platforms for work done around roof edges
• Individual Fall Arrest systems, including harnesses and work positioning systems
• Catch Platforms
• Administrative controls such as work instructions and work at heights procedures
• Permit systems
• Ladder usage procedures, inspections, and training

A Risk Assessment is also required including:

• Inspection of perimeter walls for warning notices
• Review of any asbestos register
• Visual inspection of the roof to identify roofing types, condition, and extent of fragile materials
• Load distributions
• Existence and condition of safety mesh or other fall arrest system/work platforms
• Risk of a person falling
• Access and egress points
• Other health and safety concerns for workers

If you have any queries or need assistance in ensuring you are meeting your obligations under legislation, don’t hesitate to contact our WHS Advisor on (08) 8348 1243 or email us at safety@peer.com.au.

If you have any queries or need assistance in ensuring you are meeting your obligations under legislation, please don’t hesitate to contact our WHS Advisor on (08) 8348 1243 or email us at safety@peer.com.au.