WorkSafe is calling for a renewed focus on the safety of working from heights and the dangers of falling objects after a large metal prop fell from the 56th level of a Melbourne CBD construction site earlier this year.
Workers were removing bracing for the three-meter prop which had been used as a support for a concrete slab when the piece fell and struck a utility building 53 levels below.
No workers were present in the building below an, no one was injured.
The serious nature of the incident has prompted WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, Julie Nielsen, to warn all employers about the dangers of falling objects.
“We are thankful there were no injuries, but this is a stark reminder to every duty holder that managing risks associated with falling objects is a priority,” Ms Nielsen said.
Ms Nielsen said falling objects were a leading cause of death and serious injury in the construction industry and posed a risk not just to workers, but to people walking past work sites.
“There have been five deaths and 721 injuries caused by falling objects at construction sites in the past five years,” Ms Nielsen said.
“Measures to control risks for falling objects are well known so there is no excuse for duty holders not to implement them.”