Under Reporting of Incidents in the Rope Access World.

Another year, another Work and Safety Analysis (WASA) Report from IRATA International, and yet again …. It has been noted that companies are under reporting.

If you didn’t know, Member Companies of IRATA International (the worlds leading authority on industrial rope access), are required to report any serious accident, incident, or a ‘dangerous occurrence’ within 7 days. It’s been a long-standing requirement of IRATA, and over the years … it would seem that the vast majority of Member Companies still struggle with this requirement.

During my time on the IRATA International Health & Safety Committee I spoke about it during multiple RAC meetings and challenged our region to do better. We did – for a period of time. But there is still a lag in accident and incident reporting.

2011 WASA Report – “The increasing trend to report dangerous occurrences should be encourages, particularly when relevant to rope access.”

2014 WASA Report – “Members should be reminded of the requirement to report all accidents and incidents, however trivial.”

2017 WASA Report – “The low level of reported events, particularly ‘dangerous occurrences’, in relation to the over employment level and hours worked, continues to be of concern.”

2024 WASA Report – “Of the 267 accidents and incidents analysed, 124 reports (46.4%) were linked to 7 companies. These 7 companies account for just 4.78% of all hours worked. It seems likely that this is due to the lack of reporting by the majority as opposed to poor performance by the few.”

IRATA have identified under-reporting as an issue for the Association, again and again. To the point where they published two Topic Sheets, one on Accident and Incident Reporting (No. 23) and another on Near Miss and Under Reporting (No. 27) in 2022.

Despite each region having its own legal requirements, the principles of reportable incidents remain the same.

In broad terms, a “reportable accident” is:

  • The death of a person.
  • A serious injury, e.g. a fracture, loss of consciousness, etc.
  • Incapacitation, e.g. injured and away from work for over 7 days.
  • Some occupational diseases, e.g. hand arm vibration syndrome, or.
  • Certain dangerous occurrences.

So why is under reporting still occurring?

Companies and individuals may underreport incidents for several reasons:

One of the most common reasons is fear of negative consequences.

Companies may fear that reporting incidents could lead to financial penalties, increased insurance premiums, or scrutiny from regulatory bodies. This fear sometimes motivates companies to avoid reporting to minimize perceived negative outcomes.

For individuals, the fear may be loss of job, or other penalties or restrictions applied to the worker, impacting their income or standing at work.

Reporting incidents provides IRATA with valuable data; data that can be evaluated and resources created to increase awareness and help prevent accidents from occurring again in the future. Lessons can be learned from accidents. Reporting them ensures a business doesn’t become complacent or dismissive of its personnel. Reporting promotes a positive safety culture within the organisation. The more people who report incidents, more serious accidents – and fatalities – can be prevented.

Companies and individuals may also have a concern for their reputation.

A company’s public image and reputation are vital in competitive industries. It is perceived that by reporting incidents, especially serious ones, it can affect how clients, stakeholders, and the public view the company’s commitment to safety. Likewise, how a person is perceived at work, their reputation in a niche industry, and how there are treated may impact their decision to report incidents or safety concerns.

IRATA do not disclose names or company details. The data that is reported is reviewed by the Health & Safety Committee – who all bound to a code of conduct and a non-disclosure agreement. The data is anonymised when it is reported in the WASA or stripped back to a case study for Topic Sheets and Safety Bulletins.

Another deterrent of incident reporting is a ‘Blame Culture’. Why report it if the company blames someone for it occurring in the first place? As noted in the IRATA International Work and Safety Analysis report of 2024, some companies may operate within a “blame culture” where incidents are seen as failures that should be hidden rather than learning opportunities. This culture discourages open reporting and reduces transparency around safety.

There is also the educational piece: people simply may not know they are to report incidents or safety concerns (and loop back to being afraid of reporting something if they are new to the business). Lack of awareness of reporting requirements should be an easy one to tackle for Member Companies – every induction should cover off on the importance of incident reporting. But in some organizations, there may be limited understanding of the value of thorough incident reporting as part of a safety management system. Without robust training on incident reporting’s role in improving safety, workers and management may not prioritize it.

There may also be an inadequate reporting system in place. Companies without streamlined, accessible reporting systems may find that employees and supervisors overlook reporting requirements, especially if reporting is seen as complex or time-consuming.

So how can a company (and individuals) improve on incident reporting?

To improve incident reporting, you can take several practical steps:

1. Cultivate a Safety Culture: Encourage a “just culture” over a blame culture, where employees feel safe to report incidents without fear of blame or punishment. Emphasize that incidents and near-misses are learning opportunities, not failures. Management should lead by example, discussing safety openly and rewarding transparency.

2. Simplify Reporting Processes: Make the reporting process straightforward and accessible. Implement an easy-to-use digital platform or app for incident reporting, reducing the effort and time required. This increases the likelihood that employees will report incidents, particularly near-misses.

3. Train Employees on Reporting Importance: Educate all employees on the value of incident reporting for both individual and organizational safety. Training should highlight how reporting helps prevent future incidents and contributes to everyone’s well-being.

4. Use Leading and Lagging Indicators: Incorporate both lagging indicators (such as the number of reported incidents) and leading indicators (like safety observations, near-miss reporting, and training participation). Focusing on both types of data helps companies assess safety culture and make proactive improvements.

5. Conduct Safety Conversations and Observations: Regular “safety conversations” between supervisors and employees encourage ongoing dialogue about risks and safety practices. Routine observations also help supervisors identify unreported hazards and address them before they lead to incidents.

6. Provide Feedback and Recognition: Share feedback with employees on reported incidents, including actions taken to resolve issues and improve safety. Recognizing and rewarding those who report incidents, especially near-misses, reinforces the message that reporting is valued.

7. Benchmark and Set Reporting Goals: Benchmark incident reporting rates against industry standards to identify gaps. Set achievable goals for incident reporting and monitor progress over time. This encourages teams to view reporting as part of a larger safety objective rather than an isolated activity.

By focusing on these steps, companies can make incident reporting more consistent, transparent, and beneficial for improving workplace safety.

See it. Report it. Prevent it.

Yours in Safety,

Deborah Chick

CEO of Ascend QM

Key WHS Statistics – Australia 2024

Each year, Safe Work Australia produces national work health and safety statistics, providing important evidence on the state of work health and safety in Australia.

Key Work Health and Safety Statistics, Australia 2024 provides an overview of the latest national data on work-related fatalities and workers’ compensation claims. This includes trends, gender and age comparisons, and industry and occupation breakdowns.

Understanding the causes of injury and the industries most affected can help reduce work-related fatalities, injuries and disease. Work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses have a devastating impact on workers, their families and the community.

Tragically, 200 workers died in 2023 – of which 29 were killed due to a fall from height.

Source: SafeWork Australia 

The mechanism of incident refers to the overall action, exposure or event that describes the circumstances that resulted in a worker fatality.

The number of deaths due to Falls from a height increased in 2023 and was the second highest contributor of worker fatalities overall. 29 worker fatalities (15%) were attributable to the mechanism of incident Falls from a height in 2023. This is 32% higher than the 5-year average of 22 worker fatalities per year (2019 to 2023). 45% (13) of Falls from a height worker deaths in 2023 occurred within the Construction industry. This was followed by worker deaths in the Arts and recreation services, Mining, and Transport, postal and warehousing industries, with 10% (3) worker fatalities occurring in each of those industries in 2023. Nearly 80% of workers who died due to Falls from a height were Labourers (41%, 12), Technician and trades workers (21%, 6) or Machinery operator and drivers (17%, 5) in 2023.

For the last 6 years straight, falls from height remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in Australia. 

2017-18
28 falls from height (15%)
15 being hit by falling objects (8%)

2018-19
18 falls from height (13%)
15 being hit by falling objects (10%)

2019-20
21 falls from height (11%)
21 being hit by falling objects (11%)

2020-21
22 falls from height (11%)
17 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2021-22
19 falls from height (11%)
16 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2022-23
17 falls from height (9%)
17 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2023-24
29 falls from height (15%)
12 being hit by falling objects (6%)

In 2023, 62% of worker fatalities occurred in 3 industries. Transport, postal and warehousing fatalities accounted for 26% (51 fatalities), followed by fatalities in the Construction industry (23%; 45 fatalities) and Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry (14%; 27 fatalities). There were also some differences from the long-term average:

  • the number of fatalities in the Construction industry in 2023 (45) was 36% higher than the 5-year average for this industry (33), and
  • the number of fatalities in the Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry in 2023 (27) was 25% lower than the 5-year average (36).

Over the 10 years to 2022-23p, the proportion of claims for Mental health conditions has increased from 6.4% in 2012-
13 to 10.5% in 2022‑23p. Over this period the number of serious claims for Mental health conditions has increased by 7,200 (97.3%).

  • This represents the second largest growth in the number of serious claims for a nature of injury/illness major group observed over the period (just behind the growth of 8,000 Infectious diseases serious claims, driven by COVID-19).

Mental health conditions are one of the costliest forms of workplace injury. They lead to significantly more time off work and higher compensation paid when compared to physical injuries and diseases.

  • The median time lost from Mental health condition serious claims in 2021-22 (37.0 working weeks) was more than 5 times the median time lost across all serious claims (7.2).
  • The median compensation paid for Mental health condition serious claims in 2021‑22 ($65,400) was more than 4 times the median compensation paid across all serious claims ($14,400).

Why you should engage a business consultant

Ascend QM is a business specialising in the working at heights sector, particularly in the IRATA International and ISO fields. At Ascend we focus on providing expert guidance and solutions to ensure safety and regulatory compliance in industries that required work in elevated environments. Our services include consultation on implementing ISO and IRATA International standards in the workplace for safe and efficient operations at heights.

We often get asked ‘why engage a consultant’? And it’s an important question to ask!

Business consultancy is essential for several reasons, as it helps companies improve their performance, overcome challenges, and achieve growth. Here are some key reasons why business consultancy is important:

1. Expertise and Experience

Consultants bring specialized knowledge and experience across various industries and functions. They offer insights that may not be readily available within the company, helping businesses navigate complex issues like process optimization, compliance, or market expansion.

2. Objective Perspective

External consultants provide an unbiased, objective viewpoint on a company’s operations. This fresh perspective helps identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or opportunities that internal teams might overlook due to familiarity or office politics.

3. Problem-Solving

Businesses often face specific challenges—whether financial, operational, or strategic—that they may not have the resources or know-how to resolve. Consultants are skilled in diagnosing problems and developing actionable solutions.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

While hiring a consultant is an upfront investment, it can save a company money in the long run. Consultants can help streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve productivity, which leads to cost savings.

5. Specialized Skills

Some projects or changes require highly specialized skills or expertise that a company may not have in-house. For example, implementing new technology, complying with regulations, or achieving certifications like ISO standards often require expert guidance.

6. Time Efficiency

Bringing in consultants allows businesses to quickly tackle issues without diverting internal resources. This helps ensure that projects stay on schedule and that employees remain focused on their core tasks.

7. Change Management

Consultants are valuable during times of transformation, such as mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring. They can manage the transition process, helping ensure smooth execution while minimizing disruptions.

8. Growth and Innovation

Business consultants help identify new market opportunities, foster innovation, and implement strategies for growth. They can guide companies in expanding to new markets, improving product lines, or adopting new technologies.

9. Training and Development

In addition to providing solutions, consultants often train staff on new practices, systems, or processes. This helps organizations build internal capabilities for sustained success beyond the consultancy.

10. Risk Mitigation

Consultants can assist with risk analysis and mitigation strategies. They help companies prepare for uncertainties by identifying potential risks and developing contingency plans, ensuring long-term sustainability.

In summary, business consultancy drives efficiency, innovation, and growth by providing companies with the tools and strategies needed to compete in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Guide to Equipment Inspection for Working at Heights

Article written for the Working at Height Association.

Working at heights presents unique challenges, particularly in safety management, making regular equipment inspection vital to ensuring a safe and compliant work environment. Without proper oversight of equipment like harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and anchor points, workers are exposed to increased risks of accidents and injuries. Organizations like the Working at Heights Association (WAHA) emphasize the importance of strict equipment inspection protocols to uphold safety standards.

In this article, we explore the critical aspects of equipment inspection, focusing on best practices and guidelines that align with industry standards. You can learn more about these standards and regulations by exploring WAHA’s website.

Why is Equipment Inspection Important?

In any work environment that involves heights, faulty or worn-out equipment can lead to severe consequences, including falls and other potentially fatal incidents. Inspections ensure that all equipment used in working at heights is safe, reliable, and compliant with the relevant standards. Regular equipment checks not only protect workers but also help organizations avoid legal repercussions from non-compliance with safety regulations.

Some key reasons why equipment inspections are essential include:

  • Preventing equipment failure: Regular checks identify wear and tear before it becomes a hazard.
  • Ensuring compliance: Inspections are often required to comply with national and international safety standards.
  • Minimizing liability: Ensuring all equipment is up to date reduces legal and financial risks.
  • Worker confidence: Employees feel safer knowing the equipment they are using is regularly inspected and maintained.

Types of Equipment Requiring Inspection

When working at heights, there are several key pieces of equipment that must undergo regular inspections. Each type has specific wear indicators and usage thresholds, making it vital to be familiar with the warning signs for each.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    Harnesses: Inspections should look for frayed webbing, damage to buckles, and signs of excessive wear. Ensure labels with weight limits and manufacturing dates are legible.
    Lanyards and Shock Absorbers: Check for cuts, burns, or chemical exposure, and test shock absorbers for signs of activation.
    Helmets: Helmets should be inspected for cracks, internal padding wear, and damage to chin straps.
  2. Anchors and Connectors
    Anchor Points: Ensure that the fixed or portable anchor points used for rope access or fall arrest systems are securely installed, undamaged, and tested for required load capacity.
    Carabiners and Hooks: Examine for wear on gate mechanisms, corrosion, and deformation, ensuring they lock and unlock smoothly.
  3. Ropes and Cables
    Lifelines and Safety Ropes: Inspect for abrasions, cuts, and signs of UV degradation. Ropes should be checked for any contamination from chemicals or moisture, which could compromise strength.
    Fall Arrest Blocks: Ensure the casing is intact, the retraction mechanism is functioning properly, and check for internal damage, particularly after a fall arrest.

Frequency of Inspections

According to guidelines provided by WAHA and other safety organizations, inspections must occur at regular intervals, varying based on usage frequency and environmental conditions.

Pre-Use Inspections – Workers shall perform an inspection of each item of personal and common use equipment before and after each use per ASNZS 1891.4 section 9.2. This simple step can detect obvious issues, such as broken or missing components. 

Formal Periodic Inspections – For high-use or critical equipment, formal inspections should be carried out at least every 6-12 months by a competent person. These inspections are more thorough, often involving disassembly and testing.

Post-Incident Inspections – Any equipment involved in a fall or other significant incident must be inspected before being put back into service. In some cases, the equipment may need to be retired if its integrity has been compromised.

How to Conduct an Effective Inspection

1. Create a Checklist – Use a standardised checklist to ensure all components are reviewed during inspections. WAHA provides templates for our Members that can be customized for specific equipment types.

2. Document the Inspection – Documentation is critical to tracking the lifecycle and maintenance history of each piece of equipment. Record the inspection date, the condition of the equipment, any issues found, and the actions taken.

3. Involve a Competent Person – A competent person should carry out inspections, which means a person who has, through a combination of training, qualification and experience, acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to correctly perform a specified task.

4. Take Equipment Out of Service if Necessary – If any issues are identified that compromise safety, the equipment must be removed from service immediately and either repaired or replaced.

Regular equipment inspections are not just about ticking off a regulatory requirement—they are about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every worker operating at heights. By adopting a proactive approach to equipment inspection and maintenance, you not only comply with WAHA and other industry regulations but also foster a culture of safety that can prevent life-threatening accidents.

For more information on best practices and inspection standards, you can subscribe to the Small Business Set of Australian Standards and review ASNZS 1891.4 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, Use & Maintenance, or review our Technical Bulletin on Equipment Inspection and Maintenance.

SafeWork Australia release guide to managing the risks of rooftop solar installation work

Rooftop solar installation work includes retailing, surveying, designing, installing, testing, commissioning, repairing, maintaining, decommissioning or removing rooftop solar systems on residential or commercial structures.

There are serious work health and safety risks associated with rooftop solar installation work, including working at heights, falling objects, heat stress and working with electricity.

Safe Work Australia has developed a new guide to help persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers manage the risks to health and safety associated with rooftop solar installation work – from retail and planning to installation and testing.

Download our guide today to find out more about managing the risks behind rooftop solar installation work.

NSW’s New Industrial Manslaughter Bill

Source: Kingston Reid

What PCBUs Need to Know

On 4 June 2024, the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Industrial Manslaughter) Bill 2024 (WHS Bill) was introduced into the NSW Legislative Assembly to amend the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) by creating an offence of industrial manslaughter. If passed, the WHS Bill will set some of the highest WHS penalties in Australia, with individuals found guilty of industrial manslaughter facing up to 25 years in prison, while corporations could be fined up to $20 million.

The proposed offence

NSW is one of the last mainland states to introduce a dedicated industrial manslaughter offence, aligning it with other states that have already enacted similar laws. Under the WHS Bill, the proposed offence will be committed where a person:

  • has a health and safety duty; and
  • is a persons or an Officer of a person, conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU); and
  • engages in certain conduct, by an act or omission, that caused the death of a worker or another individual, to whom the person’s health and safety duty is owed; and
  • engages in conduct with gross negligence.

As made clear in the second reading of the WHS Bill, the proposed offence will cover those individuals whose behaviour or decisions have the power to influence the activities and culture of a workplace (i.e. officers of a PCBU).

Interestingly, the WHS Bill attempts to provide guidance on when a body corporate may be considered grossly negligent. According to the WHS Bill, a PCBU may be grossly negligent if there are inadequate corporate management, control or supervision of the conduct (act or omission) of one or more authorised persons (defined in the existing WHS Act as an officer, employee or agent acting within their actual or apparent authority), or a failure to provide adequate systems for conveying relevant information to relevant persons within the body corporate. This formulation is unhelpful and creates more questions than answers. For example, conduct may be readily established where multiple rogue individuals do not adhere to systems implemented or promoted by the business, exposing the PCBU and other officers. The Bill does not define what constitutes inadequate corporate management, control and supervision. Additionally, there is no clear standard for what makes a system for conveying information inadequate or who the ‘relevant persons’ are within the body corporate.

Other notable sections of the WHS Bill

No time limitation period for prosecutions: There is no limitation period for prosecuting industrial manslaughter offences. This means that legal proceedings can be initiated at any time following the offence.

Alternative verdicts: If a prosecution for industrial manslaughter is initiated and the court finds the individual or PCBU not guilty of industrial manslaughter, the court may still convict for a Category 1 offence, even if the time limitation period for a Category 1 offence has lapsed. This alternative charge is consistent with industrial manslaughter provisions across Australia. However, unlike other industrial manslaughter laws, NSW’s proposed provisions lack the requirement to afford the defendant procedural fairness concerning the alternative Category 1 offence.

Exemption for volunteers: The industrial manslaughter offence is not intended to apply to volunteers.

Enforceable undertakings: Enforceable undertakings cannot be accepted by the regulator for contravention of an alleged industrial manslaughter offence. This is consistent with the current approach taken to a Category 1 offences.

Establishment of special unit: In addition to the WHS Bill, the NSW Government proposes to establish a special unit within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions that will be responsible for prosecuting industrial manslaughter cases.

Increased penalties 

Under the new bill, individuals found guilty of industrial manslaughter could face up to 25 years in prison, while corporations could be fined up to $20 million. These penalties are significantly higher than the current maximums under the WHS Act, which are $399,479.85 and/or five years’ imprisonment for individuals, and $3,992,492.70 for PCBUs. The highest court-imposed WHS fine to date stands at $2,025,000. The new industrial manslaughter laws represent a dramatic increase in the maximum penalties.[1]

Below is a comparison of industrial manslaughter penalties across the Australian jurisdictions:[2]

JurisdictionIndustrial manslaughter law Maximum penalties 
CommonwealthIn force from 1 July 2024Individual: 25 years’ imprisonment
Body corporate: $18,000,000
ACTLaw in forceIndividual: 20 years’ imprisonment
Body corporate: $16,500,000
SAIn force from 1 July 2024Individual: 20 years imprisonment
Body corporate: $18,000,000
QLDLaw in forceIndividual: 20 years’ imprisonment
Body corporate: $15,480,000
WALaw in forceIndividual: 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $5,000,000
Body corporate: $10,000,000
VICLaw in forceIndividual: 25 years’ imprisonment
Body corporate: $19,231,000
TASNo law in forceN/A
NTLaw in forceIndividual: imprisonment for life
Body corporate: $11,440,000

Implications for Employers

While the new industrial manslaughter laws does not change the obligations of individuals and PCBUs duties under the WHS Act, the significant penalties that will apply following conduct that causes the death of a worker heightens the importance of taking a proactive approach to meeting those duties.

The duties under the current WHS Act already require individuals and PCBUs to ensure the health and safety of workers and others affected by their operations, as far as is reasonably practicable. These duties remain unchanged with the introduction of the industrial manslaughter laws. These laws only introduce more severe penalties for breaches that result in fatalities, but also create uncertainty in relation to what exact conduct will constitute gross negligence by way of inadequate corporate management, control or supervision of the conduct or authorised person(s)  or the failure to provide adequate systems for conveying relevant information to relevant persons. The WHS Bill is yet to be debated in Parliament, and changes may occur during this process. Kingston Reid will provide updates as the changes develop.

To keep up with the latest developments across employment, workplace relations and workplace health and safety law, sign up to our e-newsletter, Kingston Reidable by emailing businessdevelopment@kingstonreid.com.

The views expressed in this article are general in nature only and do not constitute legal advice.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require specific advice tailored to the needs of your organisation in relation to the implications of these changes for your organisation.

[1] As at June 2024. Penalties will increase in July 2024.

[2] As at June 2024.

Standards Australia release Subscription for Work at Height Standards

Standards Australia release a curated Subscription Service for Small Businesses: What you need to know about the Work at Height Set. 

Nearing on three years ago, WAHA members enquired about the possibility of receiving discounted access to Standards through their involvement with the SF015 Committee. Whilst exploring this opportunity, the Standards Australia store was going through a complete overhaul, in preparation for launching subscription access to Standards. 

As part of Standards Australia’s shop development, the idea of a small curated suite of Standards was raised: making a bundle available to subscribers, instead of purchasing outright, users would be able to gain access to more, for less over time, and receive access to any updated standards that are part of the set, at no extra cost. 

After a few months of working together, Standards Australia and the Working at Height Association came refine a list of Standards and we are pleased to announce that there is a “Work at Height” set available, curated for small businesses. 

Working at heights refers to any job where individuals may face the risk of falling from one level to another. The standards in this set have been developed to provide guidelines and best practices for preventing falls and protecting workers across various industries including construction, civil engineering, confined spaces, residential and more.

This set is suitable for a wide range of professionals who work in environments where there is a risk of falling from one level to another. This includes site safety supervisors, rope access workers, height safety specialists, facilities management personnel, fall prevention system installers or re-certifiers, inspectors of height safety systems, engineers, architects, and designers.

It could also be relevant for manufacturers of fall prevention equipment and personal protective equipment.

The standards in this set help to ensure safety and compliance in preventing falls and injuries, with the aim of reducing the risk of significant harm to workers.

The Work at Height Set also offers subscribers:

  • Access to the most-used standards in the industry
  • Digital standards access across multiple devices
  • A 2-user licence within their organisation
  • The peace of mind that comes with automatic updates to all standards within the set
  • Annual subscription terms at an affordable price

HOW DOES THIS SET HELP THE USER DO THEIR JOB?

The standards in this set provide clear guidelines and best practices for working at heights, helping to reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Typical tasks these standards can help provide guidance on include climbing a ladder, accessing or exiting a work area, working near an excavation or void, working on a roof or exposed surface, working near an edge, work in fall-arrest or work positioning, and more.

As well as helping ensure safety and compliance, access to these standards:

• Provides in-depth industry knowledge to improve efficiency
• Affirms a business as a reputable operator
• Supports consistency across projects

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS SET?

The standards in this set are referenced in the WHS Act as well as several state and territory regulations, making them a crucial resource for employers and workers to fulfil legal obligations and maintain a safe work environment.

This set includes:

  • AS/NZS 1891.4:2009, Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices, Part 4: Selection, use and maintenance
  • AS/NZS ISO 22846.2:2020, Personal equipment for protection against falls — Rope access systems, Part 2: Code of practice
  • AS 1892.5:2020, Portable ladders, Part 5: Selection, safe use and care
  • AS 1657:2018, Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders — Design, construction and installation
  • AS/NZS ISO 22846.1:2020, Personal equipment for protection against falls — Rope access systems, Part 1: Fundamental principles for a system of work
  • AS 2865-2009, Confined spaces

Subscribe to the Work at Height Set from the Standards Australia Store today.

SafeWork Australia – 2023 work health and safety

Source: SafeWork Australia

Each year, Safe Work Australia produces national work health and safety statistics, providing important evidence on the state of work health and safety in Australia.

There are still too many serious injuries, fatalities and illnesses arising from work. The findings from the latest Key Work Health and Safety Statistics 2023 show that:

  • Body stressing, Falls, slips and trips, and Being hit by moving objects are the cause of most work related injuries in Australia,
  • Vehicle incidents and Being hit by moving objects continue to account for most fatalities, and
  • Work related mental health conditions are rising, with time off work in these cases more than four times longer than for other injuries. 

Falls from height continue to be a major cause of serious accidents in the workplace. Notwithstanding the overall improvement of health and safety at work over recent years, falls from height still occur. Indeed, falls from height were one of the principal cause of fatalities in the 2022 period, comprising 9% of all fatalities according to Safe Work Australia figures. Where such incidents happen, employers and controllers of the premises are likely to face investigations by the state and territory regulatory bodies. The outcome can be prosecutions with resultant significant fines and/or prison sentences. Incidents are also more likely than not to lead to personal injury claims which in view of the circumstances and nature of the injuries sustained can often be substantial in value. 

The 2023 Work-Related injury fatalities / Key Work Health and Safety Statistics publication shows that risks rising from work at height remains a major source of incidents and that those involved in such works still need to do more to minimise the dangers. 

Falls, trips and slips of a person make up 22% of all serious compensation claims throughout 2022. SafeWork Australia Key Work Health and Safety Statistics 2023

The Construction Sector remains one of the leading industries work workplace fatalities and incidents / workers’ compensation claims. The outcomes of falls in the workplace are more likely to be life-threatening when compared to many other incident types. 

Other common mechanisms of injury, such as manual handling, overexertion, and vehicle or machine accidents are more likely to cause injury to a particular body part. The injuries sustained from a fall from height can easily have wider spread complications which can affect the whole body, cause significant damage to vital organs, and if not directly resulting in death, have life-altering long term consequences.

Another cause of injury and illness that is becoming a serious concern, is those relating to Mental Health. Mental health conditions accounted for 9.2% or 11,700 serious claims in 2021-22p. While this was a slight decline on 2020-21, it remains substantially higher than 10 years ago. How does it relate to us in the working at heights sector? Well, in the Construction sector alone, workers are 8x more likely to die by suicide than from an accident at work. The following unique stressors were identified in the “Mates in Construction” Blueprint Roundtable: competitive and male- dominated workplace culture; stigma and fear around the subjects of mental health and suicide; ignorance of the increased risk of suicide and mental health issues for workers; failure by management to accept or apportion responsibility; higher levels of substance and alcohol misuse; disparate workplaces, FIFO (Fly in, Fly out) and DIDO (Drive in, Drive out) work; working while exposed to the elements; and, inconsistent/intermittent work.

Over the 10 years to 2021-22p:

The proportion of claims for Mental health conditions has increased from 6.5% in 2011-12 to 9.2% in 2021-22p. This has been driven by growth in the number of serious claims each year for Mental health conditions of 3,500 claims, or a 43.3%, increase over the period.

This represents the largest growth in the number of claims each year for a Nature of injury/illness Major group observed over the period.

Workplace mental health conditions are one of the costliest forms of workplace injury. They lead to significantly more time off work and higher compensation paid when compared to physical injuries and diseases.

The median time lost from Mental health condition claims in 2020-21 (34.2 working weeks) was more than four times the median time lost across all claims (8.0).

The median compensation paid for Mental health condition claims in 2020-21 ($58,615) was close to four times the median compensation paid across all claims ($15,743).

Congratulations MESI Group

MESI Group Pty Ltd (MESI) have attained ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 accreditation! 

Delighted to be a part of their ongoing success in the Height Safety space.

Congratulations Matt and the whole team!