Plumber falls from ladder during roof maintenance (28 May 2025)

A 46 year old plumber sustained serious injuries after falling from an extension ladder while working on a roof gutter of a two-storey building. The plumber was working from an extension ladder and was positioned approximately 6.5 metres above ground level. Another worker was securing the ladder at the base.

During the task, the plumber lost his balance and fell into a garden bed, landing on his back and tool belt.

Side view of a double-story building where the fall occurred. The ground features stone block pavements, with landscaped gardens situated near the building.
The side of building where it is believed the fall took place.
                                          

Safety information

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

Ensure:

  • a site-specific risk assessment is completed prior to commencing work
  • where the risk of falls is more than 2 metres, a site-specific Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed, reviewed and signed off by all workers involved
  • work involving the risk of a fall is carried out on the ground or a solid construction, so far as is reasonably practicable
  • elevated work platforms (EWPs) or scaffolding is used for tasks above ground level, instead of ladders
  • ladders are only used when safer alternatives are not reasonably practicable
  • extension or single ladders are only used to access or exit from a work area
  • ladders are only used for short duration and for light duty (manual) tasks that can be carried out safely from the ladder
  • ladders are inspected before use and positioned on stable, level surfaces
  • ladders are placed at a ratio of 1:4 to the wall and secured at both top and bottom (make sure no one is underneath the ladder)
  • workers maintain 3 points of contact when working from the ladder and going up and down the ladder
  • a fall protection system is in place when working at height, such as fall prevention device
  • if practicable, access to the roof is gained internally by removing roof tiles; a safety harness must be worn with an appropriately sized safety lanyard secured to a strong anchor point such as a beam or roof truss
  • workers are trained in working at heights, ladder safety and maintenance
  • a trained first aider is present on site during high risk activities
  • emergency procedures are clearly communicated and accessible.

Statistics

Falls from heights are the number one cause of traumatic fatalities in the NSW building and construction industry. Most serious and fatal falls occur from roofs, ladders, scaffolds, building edges and voids, often from heights of 4 metres or less.

In a recent 12-month blitz, SafeWork NSW Inspectors visited almost 1,500 construction sites, issuing over 3,000 compliance notices for serious safety risks related to working at heights. Ladders were involved in dozens of serious incidents with most resulting from incorrect or inappropriate use.

Over the past two years, SafeWork NSW has been notified of more than 400 workplace incidents involving falls from ladders, highlighting the ongoing risk and need for robust control measures.

Related guidance material

Further information

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