Young worker falls 9.5 metres through void (1 May 2024)

A 17-year-old formwork worker was seriously injured when he fell backwards approximately 9.5 metres through a void between scaffolding and a building under construction.

The void in between the scaffolding and building under construction that the worker fell through
The void in between the scaffolding and building under construction that the worker fell through.

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with falls from heights and young workers.

Young workers may be at higher risk of injury or illness at work and need additional support to stay healthy and safe.

Ensure:

  • scaffolding is only erected, altered and dismantled by a qualified and licenced person, with an appropriate scaffolding high risk work (HRW) licence. They must provide a scaffold handover certificate
  • scaffolding is designed, installed and maintained in line  with Australian Standards
  • the gap between the scaffolding and the working  face is not greater than 225mm
  • scaffolding is constructed on solid foundations  or foundations certified by a competent person such as structural engineer and the bearing capacity of the foundation is provided by geotechnical engineer
  • all scaffolding edges are protected by guard rails , midrails, toeboards, infill or other physical means to prevent workers falling
  • scaffolding is adequately tied to the supporting structure
  • all scaffolding planks are securely installed
  • a qualified person inspects the scaffolding at least every 30 days and tagged with the inspection date
  • workers visually inspect the scaffolding daily before use and any defects or issues are immediately reported  for rectification before using the scaffolding
  • workers do not climb on top of rails or outside of the scaffolding structure
  • penetrations and voids are considered during planning  and design stages and suitable controls are installed before the penetration or v oid is formed
  • penetrations and voids are securely covered with fit-for-purpose covers that are designed to withstand the load of workers and materials, are fixed in position, and clearly identified so they are not mistaken for construction material
  • guard rails are installed if penetrations or voids are large or are needed for temporary access
  • there is safe access and egress from all work areas and the work site, including in between levels of the scaffolding deck levels
  • high risk workers hold a valid licence for the type of work to be undertaken. For example, a basic, intermediate or advanced level of scaffolding licence
  • a site-specific Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed and implemented where the risk of falls is two metres or more
  • young or inexperienced workers are adequately supervised
  • all workers receive adequate information, training and instruction
  • all workers complete a site induction.

Related guidance material

Further information

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