Recent reports from WorkSafe Victoria highlight an increased focus on preventing falls from height, one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatalities on commercial and residential properties. While much of the conversation centres around construction sites and temporary scaffolding, building owners and facility managers should recognise their ongoing legal obligation under Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations to provide and maintain safe rooftop access.
It is crucial to understand that as a building owner or manager, you are legally responsible for ensuring the safety of anyone performing activities at height on your property. If an incident occurs, resulting in injury or worse, your compliance with height safety measures and standards will come under scrutiny.
Recent data from Safe Work Australia reveals that the number of deaths due to falls from a height increased in 2023 and was the second highest contributor of worker fatalities overall. Sadly 29 workers died from falls from height in 2023, a 71% increase from the previous year. Nearly half of these fatalities occurred within the construction industry*. These figures highlight the ongoing risks associated with working at height and reinforce the critical importance of robust rooftop safety systems.
Annual Certification of Height Safety Systems
Height safety systems, including fall arrest and abseil facade access systems, anchors, static lines, and davits are required to undergo annual inspections and re-certifications to ensure ongoing compliance, safety, and functionality. While components such as access ladders, walkways, and guardrails are not always mandated for annual certification under the standard, many of our clients choose to include them as part of a proactive safety strategy.
Regular inspection of these components is highly recommended to maintain a safe working environment and identify any potential risks. Vertimax specialises in comprehensive annual inspections, re-certifications, and detailed reporting, giving you peace of mind and regulatory assurance.
Height Safety Audits and Hazard Identification
Even with certified systems in place, rooftops can still present hidden risks and potential fall hazards. Vertimax’s expert team provides thorough height safety audit inspections to identify and evaluate all risks in alignment with current OHS regulations and Australian Standards.
Our specialists will meticulously inspect rooftop access points, assessing routes to critical areas such as gutters, rooftop plant and equipment, and façade access points. Following the audit, you will receive clear, practical recommendations tailored specifically to your site’s unique safety requirements.
Ensure Compliance and Prevent Tragedies
Vertimax’s services extend to assessing the condition and compliance of your existing ladders, walkways, and rooftop systems. Our expert audit ensures your infrastructure meets the latest Australian standards and remains in safe operational condition.
Protecting lives and avoiding costly legal consequences begins with proactive rooftop safety management. Our specialists are ready to guide you through a comprehensive safety evaluation and provide robust solutions to safeguard your people, your assets, and your reputation.
Contact us if you would like an audit to confirm your rooftop is safe and compliant.
*Source: Safe Work Australia – Key WHS Statistics 2024
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