Scaffolding work is classified as high risk work and must be performed by a person licensed to perform high risk work.
Access to, and egress from working platforms must be adequate and safe for the working conditions and the types of work being carried out.
SafeWork SA’s recent campaign on managing the risk of falls in residential construction identified a high rate of non-compliant scaffolds across sites.
This non-compliance is often due to a failure to manage scaffolding risks throughout all stages of the project, from planning and erection to use and dismantling.
A person who commissions the erection of a scaffold needs to consider the number of people using the scaffold and whether they need to carry materials or tools to the working platform. Where possible, installing a stair access rather than a ladder access is the safer option.
The 2025 construction industry campaign will target scaffolds in the residential construction sector. SafeWork SA will conduct proactive and reactive audits, including high-risk work licensing.
Educational resources on scaffold management will also be developed.
Expected Outcomes:
- reduced fall-related injuries in residential construction
- improved scaffold management and compliance
- enhanced worker safety through proactive and reactive audits.
Further links:
Crane safety
Crane-related incidents, though infrequent, can be catastrophic. The 2025 construction campaign will target crane safety through depot audits to assess crane maintenance and operator competency.
The audits will be followed by worksite visits to ensure safe practices. This will include inspections of crane registrations, rigging gear and storage. Checks will also be done of safe work method statements, crane set-up and the condition and suitability of rigging gear.
Expected Outcomes:
- improved crane safety and maintenance practices
- reduced risk of crane-related incidents
- enhanced operator competency and compliance.
Further links:
High risk work licensing
High-risk work licences are required for a number of tasks including crane and hoist operation, forklift operation and scaffolding work.
These licences are used widely across several industries including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and fishing and transport and warehousing.
SafeWork SA’s 2025-26 compliance campaigns will include audits aim to ensure that high-risk work (HRW) is being carried out safely and competently.
The audits will focus on verifying that workers hold a valid HRW licence relevant to the tasks they perform and that employers have systems in place to sight, verify, and record these licences.
Major Construction Projects
Major construction projects will be targeted in 2025 with audits aligned to project milestones.
This is expected to result in enhanced safety and compliance and a reduced risk of incidents through regular audits.
