Ceiling panel collapse (25 October 2022)

Seven workers were injured after falling approximately 3.6 metres (m) while trying to move a compressor across unsupported ceiling panels. Five of the workers were trapped beneath the compressor after the fall.

A hole in a floor of a building with industrial equipment
Ceiling area in which workers fell.

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with falls while accessing and egressing ceilings.

Ensure:

  • any work involving a risk of a fall is carried out on the ground or on a solid construction with a surface structurally capable of supporting workers, materials and any other loads applied to it
  • manufacturer’s specifications for ceiling panels are available and safe working loads are known prior to using ceiling to store materials or for egressing
  • the surface and its supports must be able to safely carry the expected loads, including workers, materials, tools and equipment. When in doubt, have a structural engineer determine the safe load capacity before use
  • when work cannot be performed on the ground or from a solid construction, the risk of a fall must be minimised by providing adequate protection against the risk, for example, by providing a fall prevention device, if it is reasonably practicable to do so
  • administrative controls may be used to support other controls. Administrative controls must not be used exclusively to minimise the risk of falls unless it is not reasonably practicable to use a higher order control. If relying on administrative controls, it may be necessary to provide a high level of supervision to ensure compliance
  • a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for working at heights is prepared for any height with a risk of a fall of over 2 m.

Statistics

Falls from heights are the major cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Most serious and fatal falls are from roofs, ladders or scaffolds – and from a height of less than 4 m.

On-the-spot fines of up to $3,600 apply for failing to protect workers from the risk of falls from heights.

Related guidance material

Further information

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