Fall through formwork infill panel (27 October 2020)
A 40-year-old steel worker suffered a fractured leg and ankle injury after falling approximately 2.4 metres through a formwork deck infill panel that gave way on a construction site in Newcastle.
The location where the incident occurred.
Safety information
Implement ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with infill panel in formwork.
You must ensure:
- access to the area is prevented, or where an infill panel is used, the panel and supporting components such as props, frames, bearers and joists are designed and installed to withstand pedestrian traffic
- the design of formwork and infill panels is developed by a competent person
- supporting falsework, props or components are protected and secured to prevent unauthorised alterations and accidental dislodgement
- components used to support infill panels are incorporated into the design and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or the instructions of a competent person
- visual inspections of the infill panel and supporting components are included in all formwork inspections to ensure they remain structurally sound and installed in accordance with their design
Formwork inspections should be undertaken:
- routinely as the formwork is being constructed and while workers can access the area
- prior to loading
- periodically following loading
Inspections should also occur following unplanned events (e.g. adverse weather). Inspections should be recorded and include evidence of the condition of the formwork at the time of the inspection (e.g. photographs).
Certification that the formwork complies with AS3610 and the design should only be provided upon completion of the formwork, including the completion of rectification works and re-inspection of any identified issues.
On-the-spot fines of up to $3,600 may be issued for placing workers lives at risk by not protecting them when working at heights.