07/01/2020

SafeWork SA is warning businesses about the risk of falls when working on fragile roofing, and the health and safety obligations when engaging contractors, following recent incidents where workers have fallen from height.

In December 2019, a worker was fatally injured after falling 6.5 metres when removing corrugated iron roof sheets.

More recently, SafeWork SA inspectors attended an incident where a contractor sustained serious injuries after falling more than 4 metres through asbestos guttering.

Close up of the hole in a metal roof where a worker fell through
The shed where a worker fell through fragile roofing

These are two serious incidents involving falling through roof structures in a short timeframe and businesses and workers need to be alert to the hazards and risks involved.

Go to our fragile roofing page for information on risk management controls.