Young worker falls through skylight (24 July 2023)

A 20-year-old worker was undertaking roof works at a residential construction site when he fell through a skylight opening on the roof of a pergola. The worker was seriously injured from the fall and later died from his injuries in hospital.

Residential construction site surrounded by building materials.
Internal view of a ceiling construction, showing an incomplete skylight frame.

Images of the pergola worksite and skylight opening.

Safety information

In NSW, there are more than half a million young people (aged 25 and under) in the workforce. More than 15,000 young people in NSW are injured at work each year, making up 14% of all workplace injuries in NSW.

By investing time and resources in young workers from their first day in the job, they are more likely to remain healthy and safe throughout their working life. This contributes to a happier and more efficient work environment.

The Young Workers e-Toolkit provides a range of resources developed to support young worker’s safety. This includes information tailored for young workers, employers, parents, and guardians as well as educators.

Ensure:

  • adequate supervision of young or inexperienced workers. Provide them with suitable information, training and instruction to be able to complete their tasks safely
  • work is undertaken on the ground or on a solid construction where possible
  • falls are prevented by using a fall-prevention device, such as:
    • temporary work platforms
    • guardrails
    • scaffolding.
  • the use of a work-positioning system, such as:
    • a restraint system
    • industrial rope access.
  • if it is not possible to use a fall prevention device or a work positioning system, use a fall arrest system, such as:
    • industrial safety nets
    • catch platforms
    • harness-based fall-arrest used with lifelines or individual anchors.
  • you complete safe work method statement (SWMS) for work where a person could fall more than 2 metres.

The biggest risks for roof work is falling off the edge or through fragile roof materials. Safety measures include using:

  • a physical barrier, such as temporary edge protection or guardrails on roof edges
  • skylight covers, crawl boards, or physically marked exclusion zones for fragile surfaces.

On-the-spot fines of up to $3,600 apply to businesses who put workers lives at risk from a fall.

Related guidance material

Further information

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