Fall from scaffold on slipway (12 November 2021)

A 67-year-old worker performing repairs and maintenance to a vessel has fallen from bracket scaffolding on a slipway in Ulladulla. The worker removed a timber scaffolding plank before falling approximately three to four metres to the concrete ground below. As a result of the incident the worker sustained foot, leg, hip and spinal fractures.

Image of a vessel on slipway where the incident occurred
Incident location on slipway

Safety information

Tasks undertaken by marine businesses can involve working at heights to access the hull and topsides of vessels. Much of this work is done on temporary work platforms when the vessels are on slipways or on exposed or covered hardstand areas. Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working at heights and temporary work platforms.

Fall prevention

Employers must consult with other duty holders and manage the risk of falls at the workplace by working from the ground or solid construction. If this is not possible, consider using fall prevention devices, a work positioning system or fall arrest system.

Fall protection devices

Fall prevention devices include fencing, edge protection, covers, scaffolds, elevating work platforms, work boxes and other temporary work platforms. Such devices should always be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Employers must ensure:

  • scaffolding includes edge protection if:
    • a person could fall more than two metres, or
    • if a fall of less than two metres is reasonably likely to cause injury
  • scaffolding where a person could fall more than four metres must be erected by a licensed scaffolder and have a valid handover certificate
  • work positioning systems include industrial rope access or a restraint system that stops a worker from reaching a position where they could fall
  • falls arrest systems include catch nets and harness-based fall arrest systems - such systems should only be used by workers with suitable training and a rescue plan to retrieve a fallen worker is required
  • other measures to control the risk of falls are in place, including having safe systems of work (Safe Work Method Statements) and adequate training/supervision of workers.

Related information

Download this Incident Information Release as a PDF

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