Safety alert issued after worker dies falling through skylight

Safety alert after fatal incident

Worksafe Queensland has recently issued a safety alert to remind employers and workers of the need to identify and control the risks of falls from height. The alert follows an incident where a worker was killed falling through a skylight while cleaning solar panels in June 2023. This incident highlights the dangers of working on or near fragile surfaces, such as skylights, and plastic or metal sheets.

Risks of working at heights and on roofs

Falls from height are a major cause of workplace deaths and injuries, especially when working on or near fragile surfaces such as skylights, or plastic or metal sheets. To prevent falls from height, workers can:

• Inspect the surface before working on it and identify any fragile spots or damaged fixings.
• Identify all locations and tasks that could lead to a fall injury, such as working on a structure or plant, on a fragile or slippery surface, near an open edge or void area, or where demolition or dismantling is involved.
• Provide appropriate fall prevention or protection measures, such as elevating work platforms, safety mesh, edge protection, travel restraint systems, or fall arrest systems, for non-trafficable surfaces.
• Develop safe work methods to avoid stepping or falling onto fragile surfaces.
• Review the work regularly to ensure the control measures are effective.

Following instructions, safety regulations, and code of practices

In addition, employers must also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe operation and use of plant, machinery, and/or systems engaged by the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). The control measures put in place should be reviewed regularly to ensure they work as planned.The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and the Model Code of Practice provide specific requirements and guidelines for managing the risk of falls. Employers are reminded also to inspect and review the work regularly to ensure the control measures are effective.For more information on how to prevent falls from height, click here.

‍Sources

‍Qld issues safety alert after fatal fall through skylight by Safety Solutions, 28th August, 2023.

‍Worker fatally injured after falling through skylight panel by WorkSafe Queensland, 18th August, 2023.