This year, extensive probes are being conducted into 18 fall-risk-related issues that could potentially result in criminal charges. Additionally, formal cautionary letters have been dispatched to 21 businesses; these will be called to account if additional violations are identified. This follows the accruement of over $1.65 million in court-imposed fines, commitments and expenses by 36 employers last year for neglecting risks associated with falls. Notably, 26 of these belonged to the construction sector—an industry particularly susceptible to serious injuries from falls.
WorkSafe’s Health and Safety Executive Director, Sam Jenkin, stressed that construction inspectors were escalating duty holders to legal proceedings—even in cases without incidents. He admonished, “Appropriate action should be taken before someone suffers a fall. As a result, inspectors are diligently dealing with all potential fall hazards, often considering stringent dismissals in situations that previously warranted improvement notices.”
Despite the introduction of several prevention initiatives, falls still remain at the forefront of fatality and injury causes within the construction business. It has been reported that in Victoria alone, four workers on average—amounting to over 1,400 individuals—were injured due to falls in the preceding year. Furthermore, investigations are underway regarding two falling-induced fatalities that occurred in 2024,
Brett Struhs, a local resident of Castlemaine, understands the devastating impact of workplace falls all too well. His life was shattered by the tragic news of his son Kyle’s death following a fall from a ladder while working as a solar panel installer. Since then, Brett has lived through ongoing grief, “The pain is always there-you just learn how to continue living with it.”
Regrettably, Brett’s personal tragedy is not an isolated incident. In the past half-decade, 36 Victorian workers lost their lives because of height-related falls.
Targeted inspection programs lasting a week are currently being implemented by WorkSafe construction inspectors. Recent inspection drives in Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham witnessed visits to 56 sites and issuance of 73 notices, including 10 specifically addressing fall hazards like incomplete scaffolding or unprotected height work.
According to Jenkin, preventing falls is essential for WorkSafe and every type of industry and trade should incorporate risk management strategies. “Health and safety responsibility lies primarily with builders, subcontractors, employers or anyone having control or supervising workplaces” he said. He remarked that ‘fall prevention’ is not mere jargon but a stringent requirement, and WorkSafe will adopt the sternest measures against those who neglect it.”
Brett, despite his painful experience, ardently advocates for fall prevention at the workplace so other families might be spared from similar catastrophes. He believes the availability and use of scaffoldings, guard rails or harnesses could provide the crucial defence needed. Brett’s earnest plea underscores the need for organizations to adopt appropriate safety management systems such as Bluesafe WHS Management System.
For safeguarding their workers from height-related falls, employers are advised to implement top protective measures specified in the five-levelled hierarchy of controls.
With products like our Bluesafe SWMS and policies in place, we aim to depreciate the frequency of these life-altering accidents. Forward enquiries to: media @ worksafe.vic.gov.au or call 0438 786 968. If you wish to stay updated on media releases, subscribe now.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-05/tough-approach-workers-and-families-pay-price-falls