Fall through box gutter during roofing works on building under construction (5 March 2026)

A 37-year-old worker was undertaking works on the roof of a building under construction.  The worker fell through a box gutter and associated metal sump, falling approximately 13.1 metres and sustaining fatal injuries.

Exterior view of a partially built warehouse with unfinished walls and roof, showing the area where a worker fell from the roof, along with work trucks and building pegs in the dirt.
Interior view of a partially constructed warehouse, showing unfinished walls and a partly completed roof where a worker fell.

Images: Warehouse under construction.

                                                                                                                              

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with falls from heights, including falls through non-trafficable roof elements such as box gutters and flashings:

Ensure:

  • box gutters and sump flashings are installed from suitable elevated work platforms or scaffolds
  • roof areas are not accessed until a competent person such as works supervisor has verified that the trafficable roof structure including all plumbing and drainage support systems are installed in accordance with the design
  • sufficient access and walkways are implemented on the roof area away from penetrations and voids
  • controls for penetrations and voids are considered during project concept planning and at all stages of construction. This should include what working at heights controls will be required and how to safely install the controls
  • penetration and void controls are designed fit-for-purpose to prevent falls and objects falling, and to withstand construction loads of workers and materials
  • edge protection such as guard rails are installed to all penetrations, voids and edges
  • lower order control measures such as harness-based restraint or fall arrest systems are designed to be used until covers or physical edge protection is installed
  • Safe Work Method Statements clearly identify fall hazards, including falls through penetrations, voids and non trafficable roofing, plumbing and drainage, and specify the control measures to be implemented appropriate supervision and access controls to prevent workers entering roof areas until all required controls have been implemented.

Related guidance material

Further information

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