WorkSafe Victoria has finalised and released two compliance codes, which Master Builders considers the “Bible” for safe work at heights and prevention of falls in general and domestic construction.

Compliance codes provide certainty for duty holders who want clarity about whether they are meeting some of their OHS obligations, as executing work in accordance with a compliance code provides employers with a “deemed-to comply” status for that work. It is important to note that compliance codes are not mandatory, and a similar or superior standard of safety may achievable by adopting an alternate system of work. Compliance Codes can be referenced by WorkSafe inspectors when issuing their notices for enforcement purposes.

The Falls Codes, and a number of other construction related compliance codes, are available by clicking here.

Falls from height in both domestic and general construction remains one of the leading mechanisms of fatal and serious incidents in the building and construction industry.

Members are reminded that any work at heights, where there is a risk of falling two or more meters, is defined as high-risk construction work (in the OHS Regulations 2017)  and requires the production of a safe work method statement (SWMS). It is the duty of the employer undertaking the high-risk construction work to prepare the SWMS.

Duty holders who undertake work at heights owe a duty to eliminate the risks of work at heights, so far as is reasonably practicable. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, the risk must be reduced, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Members may recall the prevention of falls hierarchy, as depicted in the falls compliance codes, is as follows (in order of effectiveness):

  1. Eliminate the risk. For example, can the work be done from the ground or solid construction?
  2. Use a passive fall prevention device. For example, the use of a tower or perimeter scaffold.
  3. Use a work positioning system. For example, a travel restraint harness for tasks such as antennae installation.
  4. Use a fall arrest system. For example, use of safety nets to protect against an internal fall risk.
  5. Use a fixed or portable ladder, or implement administrative controls.

Domestic builders and trades should note two of the more significant changes in the Prevention of Falls in Housing Construction Compliance Code, being:

  1. Upper level framing and all work at height on the upper level must be done with engineering solutions (edge protection and void protection) in place. The past practice of providing a clear area (i.e. “fall zone”) in the event of a fall as a means of looking after the safety of employees is no longer acceptable.Fixing facias and gutters, when undertaken on external work platforms (trestles) above two meters in height, must include at least two planks (450mm wide) and be fitted with guard railing.
  2. Fixing facias and gutters, when undertaken on external work platforms (trestles) above two meters in height, must include at least two planks (450mm wide) and be fitted with guard railing.

For further information about these updated compliance codes, or general OHS advice, please call Master Builders’ OHS department on (03) 9411 4555.