A recent WA court case has highlighted the importance of working from heights safety, with an air conditioning company and its director being fined a total of $140,000 for failing to provide a safe working environment.
National Refrigeration Solutions Pty Ltd (NRS) and company director Kurt David Graham were found guilty of neglecting their duty to ensure worker safety after a worker fell through a skylight at a two-storey office building in Balcatta.
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The incident occurred in December 2021 when a worker installing an air conditioning unit stepped back onto an unguarded skylight and fell approximately 4.1 meters, suffering serious injuries.
“A substantial amount of information on prevention of falls is available, including when skylights or plastic roof sheeting are involved,” WorkSafe WA Commissioner Sally North said.
The Importance of Fall Prevention Measures
Commissioner North emphasised the need for comprehensive risk assessments and control measures to prevent falls. She noted that simply telling workers to “be careful” around skylights is not enough to prevent falls. Instead, employers must take proactive steps to eliminate or mitigate hazards.
“The court heard that Mr Graham had told workers to ‘be careful’ around the skylights, but that does not constitute a control measure and will not prevent falls,” she said.
“This case is a reminder that it is the duty of anyone in charge of a workplace to eliminate the risk of falls where they can.”
Resources Available for Employers
WA has had a Code of Practice for the Prevention of Falls at Workplaces since 2004, which provides practical guidance on managing fall risks.
Employers can access training courses and online resources to help keep workers safe. Commissioner North explained the importance of following the code of practice and conducting thorough risk assessments to prevent falls.
By taking proactive steps to ensure working from heights safety, employers can prevent devastating accidents and ensure a safe working environment for their employees.