SAFEWORK SA

In reply to the Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (25 June 2012).

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): I have been advised:

1. Statistics from WorkCover data confirm that 84 falls occurred in the housing industry over the past five years. In the three year period from 2009 to 2011, the following falls were recorded:

2011: 13 falls

2010: 21 falls

2009: 18 falls

There is insufficient information within the WorkCover data to identify equipment failure as the primary cause of the fall.

Speculating on the elements of causation is not helpful in that the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 2010 demand a range of measures be implemented to prevent falls from heights. The number of serious falls indicates that prescribed measures were not in place and the level of compliance needs to be improved.

2. A SafeWork SA Inspector visits a site where a fall from height is notified as a notifiable dangerous occurrence.

3. Of the 84 falls reported as WorkCover claims, six were notified to SafeWork SA. This position reinforces the magnitude of underreporting in this industry and the lack of compliance with existing legal requirements.