Crackdown To Keep Workers Safe From Falls

Unsafe workplaces have no place in Victoria - that’s why the Allan Labor Government is continuing to crackdown on bosses who breach their safety obligations ensuring all workplaces are supported to promote falls safety.

Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll today announced that bosses who breach falls safety standards doubled their chance of landing in court last year – with WorkSafe charging 67 employers with falls-related breaches and issuing $3.75 million in court fines, more than twice the number of charges and fines in 2024.

There is no excuse for employers failing to keep workers safe when working from heights, with WorkSafe tightening their enforcement approach to catch offending bosses before safety breaches lead to death or injury.

Tragically, 11 workers were killed by a fall from height last year, with the vast majority in the construction industry.

This means more needs to be done – not only through enforcement, but also by investing in falls education.

Construction businesses with up to 200 employees can now access a free online falls prevention program to learn how to reduce risk, protect workers and support safe work.

WorkSafe’s latest campaign focusing on falls safety also kicked off this month, running across print, radio, outdoor, social media and online until the end of June.

The campaign also covers manual handling – the number one cause of injuries in construction, and silica dust – a major preventable hazard in the sector.

Employers can register for the free online workshops at worksafe.vic.gov.au/construction/falls-basics.

Quotes attributable to Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll

“Fall prevention is essential when someone is working at heights, not an optional extra – because it saves lives.”

“Labor will always back Victorian workers – because they shouldn’t have to risk life and limb just to get the job done.”

Quotes attributable to WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin

“It doesn’t matter how quick the job is or how many times it’s been done before – every time you send someone to work at heights without proper fall prevention, you’re putting their life at risk.”

“We also recognise that while falls are preventable – many employers want more information and opportunities to learn about the best approach to working at heights, particularly in construction, where falls remain the leading cause of fatalities.”