Read the full article here: Employee dies in elevated work platform incident – WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe is urging construction businesses to review safety procedures following the death of a worker during the loading of an elevated work platform (EWP) at a West Melbourne site.
Key Points
- Hazards Identified: Serious injury or death can occur when loading or unloading EWPs without proper control measures.
- Contributing Factors: Lack of traffic management, inadequate loading procedures, and failure to isolate machinery during transport.
- Legal Duties: Employers must provide and maintain safe systems of work as required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2017.
Safety Tips
- Develop and implement a safe system of work for all EWP transport, loading, and unloading.
- Use exclusion zones and traffic management to prevent pedestrian or vehicle interference.
- Use suitable equipment to ensure EWPs are loaded/unloaded on stable, level ground.
- Train workers in safe loading/unloading techniques specific to the equipment used.
- Isolate and secure plant equipment before transport.
Employer Responsibilities
- Identify risks associated with EWP loading/unloading and implement effective controls.
- Ensure all machinery is maintained and operated according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Consult with workers and safety representatives on risk controls.
- Provide adequate supervision and training relevant to the task and equipment.
Employee Responsibilities
- Follow all site-specific safe work procedures.
- Only operate plant and machinery with proper training and authorisation.
- Stay alert to hazards and report unsafe conditions immediately.
- Use provided controls such as isolation devices and exclusion zones.
Every action matters. Prioritise safety when working with EWPs. One misstep can cost a life.