In February 2024, a worker suffered serious injuries when they fell from a roof while removing roof panels. Early inquiries indicated that during the dismantling process, the worker stood on a panel which collapsed.
In another incident in February 2024, a worker suffered head injuries as a result of falling from a roof. Initial enquiries indicated the worker was installing roof sarking and during the installation process, placed their weight on the sarking and fell.
In April 2024, two workers fell from height and were injured while installing solar panels.
Investigations are continuing.
Safety issues
Falls, particularly off and through roofing, are a major cause of workplace deaths and serious injuries. The risk from a fall depends mainly on:
- fall control measures
- the height at which the work is being done
- the surface directly below the work at height area
- the angle of the working surface (e.g., roof pitch)
- on a slippery surface where it is difficult for people to maintain their balance (for example, on
glazed tiles).
There may also be additional risk when working on or near fragile surfaces. Surfaces are likely to be fragile if they are made with:
- asbestos roofing sheets
- poly carbonate sheets (alsynite) or plastic commonly used in skylights
- fibre cement sheets
- liner panels on built-up sheeted roofs
- sarking
- unsecured roof sheets or panels
- corroded metal sheets and fasteners
Before working on any surface at height, inspect the surface to identify potentially fragile spots as well as corroded or damaged fixings. These issues may not be easily identifiable if the lighting is poor.
All locations and tasks which could lead to a fall injury should also be identified. This includes access to areas where the work is to be done. Close attention is required for tasks:
- on any structure or plant being constructed or installed, demolished or dismantled, inspected, tested, repaired or cleaned.
- on a fragile surface (e.g., poly carbonate or cement sheeted roofs, rusty metal roofs, fibre glass sheeting roofs and skylights).
- on a sloping or slippery surface where it is difficult for people to maintain their balance (e.g., on
- glazed tiles or a metal roof that is wet from morning dew or rain).
- near an unprotected open edge or internal void area (e.g., removed roof sheeting), particularly where obstructions below may present an increased risk of injury as a result of a fall.
- where the demolition or dismantling sequence is important in ensuring the surface can continue to support the worker.
Where surfaces are non-trafficable, appropriate fall prevention/protection measures should be provided and work methods developed to prevent people from stepping or falling onto these surfaces.
To ensure the necessary control measures are being applied as the work progresses, an ongoing review of the work should also be carried out.
Ways to manage health and safety
Effective risk management starts with a commitment to health and safety from those whomanage the business. If an incident occurs, you’ll need to show the regulator that you’ve used an effective risk management process. This responsibility is covered by your primary duty of care in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Use the hierarchy of controls to help decide how to eliminate and reduce risks in your place of work. The hierarchy of controls ranks types of control methods from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest. It’s a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing risks. You must work through the hierarchy of controls when managing risks, with the aim of eliminating the hazard, which is the most effective control.
Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents
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Find Out More
To find out more about how Upskills QLD can benefit your business, contact:
Corporate Head Office
- Unit 2 / 180 Anzac Avenue, Kippa Ring, QLD, 4019
- 1300 627 681
- [email protected]
- upskills-qld
- www.upskillsqld.com.au
