Fatal occupational falls claimed the lives of 41 Victorians in five years

Fatal Occupational Falls Claimed the Lives of 41 Victorians in Five Years

Fatal occupational falls claimed the lives of 41 Victorians in five years, prompting WorkSafe to remind employers of their duty to protect workers from falls when working at height. More than 7,000 workers suffered serious injuries in work-related falls across the same period.

So far this year, three Victorian workers have died from falls, and more than 300 have sustained injuries, according to the safety watchdog.

Employers' Duty Under OHS Law

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Narelle Beer said employers carry clear obligations under OHS regulations to safeguard employees from falls whenever tasks involve working at height.

"A fall can happen in just seconds, but the consequences can last a lifetime, including devastating injuries and loss of life," Dr Beer said.

Why Height-Related Incidents Remain a Persistent Risk

Working at height continues to present one of the most significant hazards across construction, manufacturing and healthcare settings. Even brief lapses in safety practice around plant, ladders or elevated platforms can result in life-changing outcomes for a worker.

Employers should review how equipment used at height gets maintained, inspected and deployed. Faulty or poorly managed plant and equipment often contribute to incidents that could otherwise have been prevented.

Practical Steps for Reducing Height-Related Risk

• Assess every task involving elevated work before equipment gets deployed on site.
• Ensure plant used at height undergoes regular safety inspections.
• Train workers on correct use of harnesses, guardrails and other fall-prevention gear.
• Document OHS procedures clearly so supervisors can enforce consistent safety standards.
• Review incidents promptly to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

Reviewing our Falls Prevention Checklist can help safety teams identify height-related hazards before they lead to injuries. Businesses managing broader risk obligations may also benefit from a structured Falls Management Plan covering equipment, training and emergency response.

Broader Context: Occupational Fatalities Across Victoria

These figures form part of a wider pattern of workplace fatalities across sectors. For a fuller picture of how these numbers compare nationally, see our summary of updated fatal occupational incidents statistics, which tracks trends beyond falls, including plant-related and vehicle-related deaths, such as those detailed in our report on quad bike incidents that claimed 13 lives in 2023.

Organisations operating plant and equipment near elevated work areas should also consult the Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice for guidance on minimising exposure to height-related hazards.

Preparing for Emergencies at Height

Should a fall occur despite preventive measures, having a rescue plan ready reduces response time and limits further harm. Our Falls Emergency Rescue Plan outlines steps supervisors and first responders can follow when a worker becomes injured at height.

Key Takeaways for Safety Professionals

• Fatal occupational falls claimed the lives of 41 Victorians in five years, alongside thousands of non-fatal injuries.
• Employers hold a legal responsibility to manage height-related risks under OHS frameworks.
• Regular inspection of plant and equipment reduces likelihood of preventable incidents.
• Clear documentation and training support consistent safety outcomes across sites.

Read more here.