WorkSafe inspection blitz targets fall hazards in construction sites

WorkSafe Inspection Blitz Targets Fall Hazards in Construction Sites

Last year, a significant number of construction workers were injured on the job due to falls from heights. WorkSafe Victoria recently launched a statewide blitz to address fall hazards, including unsafe scaffolds, improper ladder usage, and falls from roofs at construction sites throughout the State.

Sadly, in 2023, nine workers in Victoria lost their lives due to falls from heights, with four of them being from the construction industry. This grim toll underscores why health and safety remain top priorities for every workplace leader across the sector.

Rising Claims Signal Growing Risk

The number of claims filed by construction workers injured in falls from heights rose to 441, compared to 421 in 2022 and 404 the previous year. This upward trend highlights persistent risk within an industry already under intense scrutiny for site safety and compliance standards.

WorkSafe's Executive Director of Health and Safety, Narelle Beer, emphasised the need for inspectors to ensure employers are implementing measures to prevent falls.

"As a leading cause of injury in the construction industry, falls from height is always a priority for our inspectors – but they will be making this a particular focus as they visit sites over the coming weeks," Dr Beer said.

What the Construction Blitz Means for Site Operators

Worksafe inspectors will continue focusing heavily on falls from heights, checking that scaffolding, ladders, and roof access points meet required standards. During the inspection blitz, teams will also review broader risk management practices, including asbestos handling and general site housekeeping.

Businesses should expect worksafe inspectors will be conducting thorough site walkthroughs, so having robust management systems and documented safety services in place matters more than ever. Similar enforcement efforts have played out elsewhere too — see our coverage of a safety blitz targeting construction sites in Wollondilly and a joint safety blitz targeting border construction sites for context on how regulators approach compliance nationwide.

Building Stronger Fall Prevention Practices

Construction firms seeking to strengthen their fall prevention strategy should focus on:

• Regular scaffold and ladder inspections aligned with height safety requirements
• Documented risk assessments for roof work and edge protection
• Ongoing worker training on safety procedures and hazard identification
• Clear management oversight of contractor compliance across every site

Our Construction Site Inspection Checklist (6 months–10 years) and Construction Site Inspection Monthly Checklist offer practical tools for site supervisors preparing for these visits. Companies managing public-facing sites may also benefit from our Construction Sites – Dealing with the Public SWMS resource.

Related Regulatory Activity

This blitz follows a broader pattern of enforcement, as detailed in our article on WorkSafe inspection programs addressing security issues at construction sites. For organisations building out comprehensive site protocols, our Construction Management Plans and Psychosocial Hazards Management Plans support broader health and safety obligations beyond fall risks alone.

Falls remain the construction industry's most persistent hazard, and this renewed inspection blitz signals that regulators expect visible, documented action — not just good intentions — from every site operator across the State.

Read more here.