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NT workers urged to consider height risks

NTWorkSafe, the Northern Territory’s dedicated workplace safety body, is urging workers across all industries to consider and manage the risks of working at heights.

The latest national data from Safe Work Australia indicates falls from a height was the second highest contributor to worker fatalities in Australia, with a concerning increase of 71 per cent since 2022.

NT WorkSafe is conducting enquiries into five instances of working at heights without fall protection that have occurred since September.

Thankfully, these instances did not occur on mines, where working at heights is subject to a range of critical controls. However, the mining industry is not immune to the risks, and NTWorkSafe’s call to action serves as a timely reminder to operators to stay alert and prepared.

“Regardless of the task, if there is a risk of a person falling from one level to another, the person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) must manage the risks associated with the hazard,” NTWorkSafe said.

NT WorkSafe strongly urges all workplaces undertaking activities involving heights to ensure the following measures are in place, and that they are effective:

  • Identify hazards related to risks of falls in the workplace
  • Ensure workers have appropriate training and instructions
  • Consider available control measures and implement them to eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably practicable
  • Discuss the hazards identified and the control measures you have implemented at your next toolbox talk or team meeting
  • Follow the Northern Territory’s Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination Code of Practice

The national Working at Height Association (WAHA) is working to bring attention to the risks of working at height and what operators and workers alike can do to stay safe.

Preventions may include on-person restraints, an edge or perimeter protection system, fall protection covers, or safety mesh, but the key prevention measure WAHA stresses is ensuring workplaces have an effective hierarchy of controls.

With strong leadership, workers can become empowered with the knowledge and support to stay safe while working at heights by knowing what is required of them and where they can go for more information.

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