A recent court outcome has reinforced a long-standing message for the construction sector: when it comes to working at heights, the right safety controls are not optional — they are critical.
Court outcome highlights preventable risk
Pearl Construction Group Pty Ltd was sentenced in the Melbourne County Court after pleading guilty to failing to ensure a workplace under its control was safe and without risks to health.
The case centred on a 23-year-old worker who fell through an unprotected stair void while carrying materials on a first floor during townhouse construction works in September 2022.
“A preventable and well-documented risk”
WorkSafe Victoria Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said the incident reflects an ongoing issue across the industry.
“It is incredibly frustrating and tragic to see another life lost to such a preventable and well-documented risk,” Mr Jenkin said.
“Despite there being extensive information and guidance on ways to properly manage the risks, falls from height sadly remain the number one cause of death and serious injury in the construction industry.”
Basic controls that save lives
The court heard there were clear, practical steps available to reduce the risk.
These included restricting access to the first floor until perimeter guardrails were installed around the stair void, and ensuring safe access via a properly secured ladder extending at least 90 centimetres above the landing.
These are not complex interventions—they are standard site safety measures that significantly reduce exposure to fall hazards.
Getting the hierarchy of controls right
WorkSafe continues to emphasise the importance of applying the hierarchy of controls when working at height, prioritising the most effective protections first.
At the top level, the safest approach is eliminating the risk entirely — by completing work on the ground or from a solid structure wherever possible.
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Where that’s not feasible, passive fall prevention measures such as scaffolding, guardrails, perimeter screens and elevating work platforms provide the next strongest layer of protection.
Lower-level controls, including harness systems, fall arrest setups and ladders, should only be relied upon when higher-level solutions cannot be implemented.
Responsibility sits with those in control
As principal contractor, Pearl Construction Group had responsibility for managing site risks and ensuring appropriate controls were in place before work at height commenced.
The case reinforces that duty holders must actively assess hazards and implement safeguards before exposing workers to risk—not after.
A reminder for every job site
For builders, carpenters and subcontractors, the takeaway is clear: falls from height remain one of the most serious risks on site, but they are also among the most preventable.
Ensuring guardrails are installed, access is controlled, and proper systems are in place before work begins is not just compliance — it is what keeps workers safe and projects on track.
