Occupational Workplace Health and Safety
What is Occupational Health & Safety and what does it mean?
If you're a person in control of a business or undertaking (PCBU), the Work Health and Safety Regulation (WHS Regulation) outlines your obligations in relation to managing the risk of falls in your industry. Your responsibilities include:
• Managing the risks of a fall, from one level to another, where injury is likely
• Ensuring all work is carried out on the ground or on a solid construction. Where this is not possible you must provide adequate protection to reduce the risk of falls
• Working through the hierarchy of controls outlined in the code of practice – see below
These provisions aim to ensure that each hazard that may result in a fall is identified, assessed, and has control measures implemented to prevent or reduce the exposure to risk.
The Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice 2018 provides more information on managing the risks of falls, the use of ladders, and fall prevention devices.
Who does this relate to?
Every worker has the right to return home uninjured. OH&S legislation applies only in workplaces, however if you have a contractor perform work at home then your home becomes the ‘workplace’ and as such OH&S legislation automatically applies.
What is the difference between a ‘Domestic’ and an ‘Industrial’ ladder?
- An ‘Industrial’ ladder must have a minimum load rating of 120kg and be labelled that it is suitable for Industrial use.
- A ‘Domestic’ ladder must have a minimum load rating of 100kg and be labelled that it is suitable for Domestic use.
NB: A ‘Domestic’ ladder is NOT suitable for use in a workplace or in a commercial environment. Similarly, be aware that just because a ladder is labelled with a load rating, it does not mean that the ladder actually meets the standards. If in doubt, ask for a statement from the manufacturer.