UPDATE: COVID-19; PLUS FALLS FROM HEIGHT

COVID-19 pandemic

These are uncertain and unprecedented times, presenting numerous challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way we all live and work and WorkSafe has worked hard to ensure the advice provided by health experts is contextualised for workplaces to assist both employers and employees.

Work health and safety regulators across the country recognise the COVID-19 pandemic has created exceptional circumstances that have significant impacts on workplaces, including employers, workers and other persons with duties under occupational safety and health laws.

To capture the approach of safety regulators to deal with unprecedented circumstances, a National Statement of Regulatory Intent has been developed.

This statement articulates an approach which is in accordance with existing practices and should signal to workers and employers that inspectors will utilise appropriate regulatory enforcement while remaining cognisant of COVID-19 risks.

WorkSafe has responded to many queries about an employer’s obligations to employees when they are working from home, and employer requirements in relation to hand sanitiser and personal protective equipment. All workplaces are different and present different risks. Employers have a general duty of care to provide and maintain a safe working environment, and what is required to comply with this varies from one workplace to another based on specific workplace risk factors. Employees also need to take care of their own health and safety and avoid impacting others. This includes reporting any health concerns they have to the employer.

Western Australian regulations require a risk assessment to be undertaken to ascertain exactly what actions need to be taken to lower or eliminate risks to employees. Regulation 3.17 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 requires employers to ensure that the workplace is maintained in such clean condition as is necessary to avoid hazards to persons in the workplace.

As far as hand sanitiser is specifically concerned, it is not mandatory. Nationally consistent health advice tells us that washing hands with soap and water is a safe and reliable form of hygiene.

Work from home can only be considered if it is workable and practical for that specific business.

Anyone who is concerned and believes they are being put at risk should raise the concerns with their employer. WorkSafe can be contacted for further information to report a hazard or to raise concerns about a workplace.

I am encouraged by the significant efforts of workplaces, employers and employees to find innovative and collaborative ways in which to ensure the workplace and employees are safe from pandemic risks. Essential industries such as health, retail, agriculture, construction and transport and logistics have contributed to reducing the risk of spreading the virus and should be acknowledged for their efforts.

To access a wide range of COVID-19 business resources from the Department, visit DMIRS COVID-19 coronavirus information webpage.

Falls from height

Tragically we have recently seen lives lost through falls from heights in WA workplaces.

Since 2014-15, thirteen Western Australian workers have lost their lives as a result of work-related falls from height. Add to this the number of workers who have sustained permanent and life-changing injuries in falls, and the size of the problem is readily apparent.

It’s well known – especially in the construction industry – that working at heights is hazardous, and hazards such as unprotected edges present a significant risk to workers. The various means of removing or mitigating the risks are also well known throughout the industry.

Therefore employers should always operate in accordance with the relevant legislation and codes of practice when it comes to fall protection. The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 have prescriptive requirements concerning working at heights, including conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify fall hazards, assessing the risks associated with those hazards and controlling those risks.

Common fall hazards can include:

stability, strength and slipperiness of surfaces

changes in levels

ground conditions

edges

scaffolding

openings or holes

weather conditions.

Where brittle or fragile roofing materials form any part of a roof, people accessing the roof need to be informed and be provided with a safe system of work along with instructions or training about the safe systems of work to be used. Where construction work involves a risk of a person falling more than two metres, the main contractor or building owner must ensure that a Safe Work Method Statement is prepared before the work begins.

In addition, the Code of practice – Prevention of falls at workplaces has been in use in WA since 2004, and should be followed by anyone who has a duty to prevent falls at workplaces. The code provides practical advice on the safe systems of work that should be in place where the risk of falls exists. Employers need to be aware of all the laws involved when there is a fall risk at their workplace and ensure that they have suitable safe work procedures in place.

I hope you remain safe and healthy during these challenging times.

Darren Kavanagh

WorkSafe WA Commissioner