SAFETY JANE FAYAD HIA Business Safety Manager REDUCE YOUR SAFETY RISK Below are some ways in order to meet Safety compliance and reduce the risk to your business. Do you manage risks relating to with sufficient instruction, induction and Void protection is required where there scaffolding? training to enable them to work safely and is a potential of risk of falling through an Workers assigned to scaffolding jobs should without risking their health. unprotected void. be properly trained and aware of: This can include: Edge protection will not prevent a fall •their environment including falling • practically implementing the appropriate through an unprotected opening. The debris, electrocution from power lines, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMSs) openings must be covered and the covers incomplete scaffold and falls related to • identifying hazards and risks associated must be capable of withstanding any impact unstable platforms which can result in with work performed at heights and then and static loads, and must be fixed to serious injuries following health and safety procedures prevent: •fixed or mobile/modular scaffolds should associated with works at heights • any dislodgement be properly fitted with guardrails, handrails • explaining the reasons fall protection • accidental removal and/or kick boards (for more than two measures have been set in place and • access and egress (ladder hatch). metres) to prevent workers and objects how to use them properly. Every solid construction must have safe and from falling from an unprotected edge Perimeter protection must be provided on suitable means of access and egress. •scaffolds and scaffold components the exposed edges of a solid construction must be capable of supporting the including: maximum intended load including tools the perimeters of buildings or other If you have any Safety concerns or • would like assistance with complying and materials. leading edges for example window or Do you manage risks relating door openings with the WHS Legislation, to falls? the perimeters of skylights or other please contact Jane Fayad from • HIA Safety on (02) 9978 3357 Everyone working on a residential fragile roof materials or email j.fayad@hia.com.au construction work site must be provided • openings in floor or roof. P14 BUILDING NEWS ISSUE 3/2018