Worker seriously injured in fall on construction site (6 June 2024)

A 31-year-old formwork worker was seriously injured on a construction site when he fell approximately 3 metres whilst descending a ladder into a jumpform cell.

A ladder surrounded by a void, on a construction site.
The ladder the injured worker was descending at the time of the incident.
A ladder surrounded by a void, on a construction site.
                                                             

Safety information

Falls from heights are the leading cause of traumatic fatalities in the NSW building and construction industry. There has been a recent trend in falls from heights involving formwork activities on construction sites. The risks are foreseeable, and these incidents are entirely preventable.

Assess and eliminate or minimise risks

Ensure:

  • the formwork plan is readily available on site before commencing work and is approved by a competent person such as a structural engineer
  • formwork is only installed, altered and dismantled by a qualified and competent person
  • exclusion zones are implemented when formwork is being installed, altered or dismantled
  • a ‘formwork only’ exclusion zone is maintained behind the leading edge to separate formworkers and other workers, clearly marked by signs and a barrier
  • formwork components are only used in accordance with the original manufacturer’s specifications
  • formwork is installed on a solid and stable foundation
  • safeguards such as hand rails, edge protection and perimeter safety screens are installed
  • the formwork is regularly inspected by a competent person and any defects identified are immediately reported  and rectified

Provide safe access and egress

Ensure:

  • adequate access and egress between formwork levels is provided
  • ladders should only be used as a means of access and egress after safer means (such as scaffolding stair towers) have been considered and found to be not reasonably practicable in the circumstances
  • where ladders are used for access and egress, you should ensure so far as reasonably practicable t hat:
    • there is a firm, stable work platform, free from obstructions, to step onto from the ladder
    • the ladder is securely fixed in place at both the top and bottom, at a ratio of 4:1
    • the ladder extends at least 1 metre above the stepping-off point on the working platform
    • fall protection is provided at the stepping-off point.
    • no materials should be carried by hand when using a ladder for access and egress.
  • ladders should be regularly inspected by a competent person and removed from service if any defects or faults are identified

Implement and follow safe systems of working

Ensure:

  • voids and penetrations in the formwork are adequately identified and protected
  • adequate sole boards and base plates are installed beneath props and frames, where appropriate
  • adequate catch decks, false decks and temporary working platforms are installed between formwork levels
  • where required, fall prevention devices and work positioning systems such as harnesses are provided and used by all workers
  • the work zone for ‘other workers’ is only used once the working deck has been deemed as complete by a competent person
  • there is adequate lighting for safe access and work activities
  • a site-specific Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed and implemented
  • all workers receive adequate information, training and instruction
  • all workers complete a site induction
  • all workers wear adequate personal protection equipment (PPE)
  • an emergency plan is developed in consultation with workers and followed.

Related guidance material

Further information

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