SafeWork NSW has launched a blitz targeting scaffolding safety, as part of its Scaff Safe 2024 campaign. As part of the campaign, SafeWork NSW inspectors will be visiting sites to talk with principal contractors and site supervisors about how to ensure their site is ‘Scaff Safe’, including verifying they have a plan in place to manage scaffold safety for each stage of the build.
In Newcastle, where the Scaff Safe campaign is being launched, a zero-tolerance approach to workers’ lives being put at risk has seen the number of penalty notices more than double since 2021, while the number of falls from unsafe scaffolding has halved.
Statistics show that falls from heights remain the leading cause of fatalities on NSW construction sites, with falls from unsafe scaffolds a significant contributor. Scaffold incidents commonly involve people falling from, or through, scaffolds that are poorly erected, incomplete or have been altered. Scaffold incidents can also involve people falling from scaffolds due to misuse, for example standing on rails or boxes, or adding makeshift work platforms.
Incidents can also occur due to scaffold collapse or failure of components due to incorrect assembly, overloading platforms, or incompatible or overly rusted/rotted componentry. Scaffold incidents can also occur as a result of objects falling off scaffolds and hitting people below, and scaffolders being injured when unsafely erecting, adjusting or dismantling scaffold.
Inspectors can issue on-the-spot fines for not managing the risk of scaffolds, falls from heights and alterations by unlicensed workers. Individuals may be fined up to $900 and businesses up to $4500.
NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said all workers have the right to go home to their loved ones at the end of their workday. “It’s important employers understand their duties under work health and safety laws. Scaffold requires constant attention and coordination. It can kill workers when not built safely, with the main risks being falls from heights, falling components, scaffold collapse and contact with powerlines,” Cotsis said.
