Ways to reduce same-level workplace falls

Same-level workplace falls can cause musculoskeletal injuries, bruises, fractures, dislocations, sprains, cuts and even burns to workers if they are near hot equipment.

In 2010/11, nearly 20% of all recorded injuries in NSW were from common same-level falls in the workplace. These falls have cost $117 million in workers compensation over that period of time, equivalent to about $8000 per fall.

Falling hazards could include spills, leaks, wet mopping, rubbish left out, leads and cables on the ground, rough or uneven surfacing, and obstacles such as rubbish bins, chairs or buckets left in the middle of walkways.

“Even a minor fall can have serious consequences,” said Shayne Byer, principal inspector in the working environment at WorkCover NSW.

PCBUs (persons conducting a business or undertaking) and officers can control the risks by following the hierarchy of control measures. This hierarchy is as follows, with level one being most important and level three used as a last resort.

• Level one: Eliminate hazards from the workplace.
• Level two: Substitute the hazard with something safer such as resurfacing the floors; isolate the hazard by limiting access with barriers; or reduce future hazards through engineering controls.
• Level three: Reduce exposure to the hazard using administration controls and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Byer says that PCBUs, officers, workers and others such as visitors and contractors need to use the steps of risk management to reduce the risk of same-level falls happening in the workplace.

The risk management steps are as follows:

Step 1 - Identify hazards and assess risks if necessary.
Step 2 - Eliminate or control risks.
Step 3 - Review and monitor control measures. These should be done while consulting with workers.

People responsible, such as the PCBUs, should identify the risks by talking to workers, checking what has happened in the past, observe and inspect the workplace, and document the hazards identified.

Byer suggests that they should ask themselves these questions as a hazards checklist:

• Are workplaces or aisles wet, slippery or cluttered? How often does this happen? Why does it happen?
• Do my workers need to move suddenly when undertaking their work?
• Are there steep or slippery steps, stairs or ramps?
• Is the work area poorly lit, including stairs, aisles or passageways?
• Are there unguarded edges and unguarded openings anywhere in the floor or ground surfaces?
• Do my workers work at an appropriate pace?
• Does my workplace layout create a fall hazard or do my work procedures create a fall hazard?

“You can arrange for slippery distance testing to be done on floor surfaces that may be a cause of concern; but it is very important to note that any results from that testing are basically just a snapshot of that one section of floor at that one moment in time because it doesn’t take into account the other variables that may be involved,” said Byer.

Common risk controls, according to Byer, include checking workplace design, flooring, lighting, cleaning and maintenance, housekeeping and footwear.

“Raised platforms should be avoided; however, if they can’t be, then sufficient lighting should be used. Lighting should be adequate for safe passage and workplaces should be kept clear. Training and supervision should be provided and workers should wear appropriate footwear for their job.”

When control measures are not working, however, a review should be made. Reviews usually take place in circumstances such as: before a change in workplace, when a new hazard risk is identified or if an HSR (health and safety representative) requests a review.

For more information about reducing same-level falls in the workplace, please visit the WorkCover NSW website.