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.
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
- Managing the risks of falls at workplaces – Code of Practice (PDF, 2326.56 KB)
- Working at heights – Hazards A-Z
- Prevent falls from heights – poster
(PDF, 708.65 KB) - Work safely at heights in construction – safety campaign