Construction falls the focus of upcoming SafeWork SA webinar

Construction Falls the Focus of Upcoming SafeWork SA Webinar

SafeWork SA will host a webinar focusing on falls from height in the residential construction sector as part of its April No-Falls campaign. The session forms part of a broader push to reduce falls from height across South Australian worksites, addressing hazardous conditions that continue to put tradespeople at risk.

The 2023 'Managing Risk of Falls in Residential Construction' webinar will be held on 26 April at 1pm.

Why Falls from Height Remain a Serious Concern

SafeWork SA figures indicate the safety watchdog was notified of 77 serious injuries from falls in 2022, with the construction industry accounting for more than 75% of serious injuries. Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace harm in residential building work, often linked to unstable plant, poorly maintained plant, or electrical hazards near roof lines and scaffolding.

Contact with electrical infrastructure during work at height compounds the risk, particularly where plant is positioned near overhead power lines or electrical fittings. Reducing these combined risks requires careful planning, proper use of plant, and awareness of hazardous work conditions before any task begins.

What the Webinar Will Cover

SafeWork SA Acting Executive Director Glenn Farrell said the webinar will help raise awareness about fall risks in the residential construction sector.

"Every April our inspectors and educators spread the 'no-falls' message," Mr Farrell said.

Topics are expected to include:

• Identifying fall risks associated with height on residential sites
• Correct selection and use of plant for elevated tasks
• Managing electrical hazards near work at height
• Practical steps for controlling hazardous conditions on-site

Broader Context: SafeWork SA's Ongoing Campaigns

This webinar builds on previous SafeWork SA efforts, including their campaign to prevent construction falls and a related compliance campaign targeting construction falls. Cross-border enforcement has also featured strongly in recent news, as seen in the construction falls and asbestos crossborder blitz.

Supporting Resources for Construction Safety

Businesses managing height-related risk on residential sites can strengthen their safety systems with SafetyDocs resources, including a Falls Management Plan and a dedicated Falls Prevention Checklist. For broader site safety planning, the WHSMP Construction Safety Plan and Construction Sites SWMS offer further guidance on managing hazardous tasks around the public and plant. General construction safety planning resources are also available through the Construction Management Plans category.

For more news on this webinar and future health and safety initiatives, visit the SafeWork SA website.