WorkSafe Victoria inspectors recently blitzed construction sites across the western suburbs in an effort to curb the amount of serious workplace falls suffered by employees.
Already in 2025, 18 matters related to fall risks are being investigated with a view to potential criminal charges, while another 21 businesses have received formal written warning letters.
This is on top of more than 1,400 workers, an average of four people a day, being injured due to falls from heights in Victoria last year, with two fatalities.
A total of $1.65 million in court fines, undertakings and costs were issued against 36 employers over fall related risks in Victoria in 2024.
Of those employers, 26 were from the construction industry, which experiences more serious injuries due to falls than any other.
Recent blitzes in Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham resulted in WorkSafe inspectors visiting 56 construction sites and issuing 73 notices, including 10 for fall hazards such as incomplete scaffolding or working at height without guard rails.
WorkSafe health and safety executive director Sam Jenkin said construction inspectors were referring employers for legal action, regardless of whether an incident had taken place.
“It’s too late to act once someone has fallen, that’s why inspectors are cracking down on all observed fall risks, including considering more serious action on issues that might previously have first prompted an improvement notice,” Mr Jenkin said.
“Falls from height continue to be a leading cause of fatalities and workplace harm in the construction industry, despite well-known prevention measures.”
Mr Jenkin said preventing falls was an enforcement priority for WorkSafe and the risk needed to be considered and managed across all industries and trades.
“Whether you’re a builder, a subcontractor, employer or anyone with control or management of a workplace – health and safety is your responsibility,” he said.
“Fall prevention isn’t an optional extra, it’s the standard and WorkSafe will take the strongest possible action against those who fail to uphold it.”
Details: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/fall-prevention
