New falls prevention code to make construction sites safer

WorkSafe Victoria has just released a new Compliance Code – ‘Prevention of falls in general construction’, which provides practical guidance to those who have duties or obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act or Regulations. This Compliance Code replaces the existing ‘Prevention of Falls in General Construction Code of Practice No. 28 (2004)’.

WorkSafe’s executive director of health and safety, John Merritt, said: “The code was developed after extensive consultation with the construction industry, employers, employees, governmental agencies and the community to provide greater certainty about what constitutes compliance under the OHS Act.”

The code is designed for use by employers, managers and the self-employed in general construction, and gives advice on managing risks, working at heights above two metres as well as trenching and excavation work.

Prevention of falls in general construction is one of eight new Compliance Codes. Other codes now available include:

• Communicating health and safety across languages
• Workplace amenities and work environment
• Confined spaces
• First aid in the workplace
• Foundries
• Management of asbestos in workplaces
• Removal of asbestos in workplaces

Copies of the Compliance Codes are available online at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.