Current at: 14 May 2008
Reducing The Risks
OH&S is of vital importance in all areas, and especially the building industry. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2005–2006, of the 437,600 men who experienced a work-related injury or illness in the last 12 months, 28 per cent were tradespersons and related workers, 18 per cent were employed in the manufacturing industry, 17 per cent in construction and 15 per cent were labourers and related workers when the injury or illness occurred.
These are sobering statistics. Consider the impact these injuries have – not only on the injured person and their family, but the morale of the workplace, delays in schedules and, in the worst case scenario, legal ramifications that cost time and money.
It’s important to remember that OH&S is your responsibility, whether you’re an employer or employee, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Most of the time, OH&S relies on commonsense and vigilance on behalf of individuals. However, there is also a lot of OH&S legislation aimed at protecting workers and their rights to a safe workplace, so make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest industry practices.
Safe scaffolding
Scaffolding laws are generally covered by OH&S legislation which varies from state to state and covers a variety of scaffold types typically used in residential construction. These include:
- tube-and-coupler scaffolding
- tower frames
- prefabricated frames and modular scaffolding
- frame and putlog trestles.
‘A common reference in the legislation is to require the use of systems that comply with Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding, AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding and AS 1892 Portable ladders,’ says Melanie Foster, HIA’s executive director of OH&S policy.
Generally the OH&S regulations require that edge protection, in the form of guard railings and toe boards, or mesh screens incorporating kick plates, are provided where a person or object can fall a specified distance (two metres or more) from any platform. The height thresholda and prescribed controls can vary by state legislation, so local guidelines must be checked to ensure compliance.
Licensing requirements to erect scaffolding also vary from state to state and is generally established by a height restriction below which a licence is not required.
For example, in NSW a licence is not required where the fall height is less than four metres (measured from the platform to the ground in the fall zone). This means that any scaffolding for construction of single storey housing on reasonably level land in NSW generally would not require a scaffolder’s licence. Local legislation must also be checked for licence requirements.
On the market
All About Scaffold has recently launched the Roofguard system which is local, versatile and AS/NZ 4994.1 2004 compliant. Its ideal for builders and tradespeople seeking to own compliant edge protection. The bracket can be hung under the rafter (90x35mm) for metal or tiled roof, or a sliding bracket can be used for hardwood or double rafters. Another feature of the system’s versatility is using it directly off a stud for a no-eave roof.
Roofguard also have a bracket for gables, existing tile roofs and a pitch adjustable renovation system for metal roofs.
Scaffold marketer, Rod Evans says ‘that with more industry awareness and compliance to 2m height rules, the opportunity for purchasing quality edge protection is a great investment for trades.’
All About Scaffold is a specialist marketing group focusing on niche scaffold solutions and are always on the look out for new products to take to market.
The group has been mainly involved in edge protection and scaffolds for the residential housing market, but has responded to recent demand by offering commercial edge protection systems for sale as an option to hiring.