Targeting falls from heights in transport

Falls from heights in the transport industry were the target of a statewide audit by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, completed in August.

Project co-coordinator Shane Stockill said the audit aimed to help reduce the number of injuries in the industry caused by falls from heights, specifically in the car carrying, road tanker and livestock carrying sectors.

'Falls from heights are one of the biggest health and safety issues in the transport industry,' Mr Stockill said.

'Last year alone, 22 drivers of heavy trucks received serious injuries as a result of falls from heights in Queensland.'

'These people received injuries serious enough that they had to take 60 days or more off work.'

'In total, 2,460 work days were lost in the heavy truck driving sector due to falls from height.'

'The recent audit aimed to help address this by ensuring the transport industry is providing safe systems of work to minimise the risk of falls and ultimately keep workers safe.'

The car carriers' statewide audit was completed in May this year. Audits of tankers and livestock carriers were completed in August.

During the audits, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors checked that companies were complying with, or had standards equal to Australian Standard 1657–1992: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders–Design, construction and installation.

The audits are part of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland's strategy for enhancing the health and safety of Queensland 's 90,000 transport workers. They are also part of a national campaign targeting falls from heights in the transport industry.

An example of a fall arrest system.
Photo: courtesy of Work Cover NSW.

Tips for preventing falls from heights:

remove or minimise the need to work on top of vehicles
provide effective edge protection (such as guardrails) or fall protection or fall arrest systems (such as restraint belts, harnesses and lanyards)
assess the customer location for safe access during loading or unloading
provide anti-slip surfaces on all walking or climbing areas
ensure drivers wear footwear with adequate slip resistance, which is suitable for the work
ensure there is adequate lighting for the task
ensure all safety equipment is included in maintenance programs
ensure drivers are aware of fall risks and are adequately trained to use safety equipment.