14/04/2022

SafeWork SA is asking businesses to talk with their workers on the importance of preventing falls from height during ‘April No-Falls’.

Slips, trips and falls account for a substantial number of workplace incidents with falls from height being the second leading cause of fatalities across Australia.

In 2021, SafeWork SA recorded:

  • 103 serious notifiable injuries, a decrease of 13% compared to 2020
  • 379 SafeWork SA interventions associated with managing risk of falls, an increase of 14% compared to 2020.

The construction sector again reported the highest number of injuries, followed by transport, postal and warehousing.

While truck drivers received the most serious fall injuries, notifiable serious injuries can affect a diverse range of occupations, including the public.

To assist the construction industry in minimising the risk of a falls, SafeWork SA is supporting the South Australian Construction Safety Alliance (SACSA) working at heights initiative.

SACSA has developed a safety essential flyer containing information to minimise risks of falls that will be shared and posted at their members worksites.

SafeWork SA Executive Director, Martyn Campbell said that while the reduction in serious injuries is a good start, there is still a lot that needs to be done.

“Businesses need to consider whether the job can be done differently, can working at height be avoided in the first place?” said Mr Campbell.

SafeWork SA’s ‘April No-Falls’ safety campaign will see collaboration with the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and the Master Builders Association (MBA) to host two live webinars on ‘Managing risk of falls in residential construction’ on Friday, 22 April 2022.

Full details and how to register for the webinars can be accessed at HIA session 11-12pm and MBA session 1-2pm.

SafeWork SA would like to see how you're making April a no falls month at your workplace. Post photos of your safe systems of work on Social Media with the hash tags #AprilNoFalls and #WHS, and we'll promote the most impressive pictures.