SAFE WORK ON

ROOFS

Code of Practic :

Safe Work on Roofs – Part 1: Commercial and Industrial Buildings(the Code) provides clients, employers, self-employed persons, contractors, subcontractors and workers with practical advice on preventing injury to persons engaged in work on roofs. This edition of the Code replaces and revokes the version published in 1993. It has been updated to reflect changes in legislation and industry practice since that time. The Code has been developed by an industry working party and has involved extensive consultation with construction industry stakeholders. The scope of the Code: a. applies to the planning, preparation and conduct of work for the installation and maintenance of roofs, the maintenance of roof-mounted equipment and structures, the removal of roof coverings, and the movement of those working on roofs, on commercial and industrial buildings. does not apply to work carried out by emergency service personnel – including the state emergency service, fire, police and ambulance personnel – as part of emergency procedures. does not apply to work associated with the erection of the roof supporting structure.This is an industry code of practice approved by the Minister under section 43 of the OHS Act on the recommendation of WorkCover NSW.

Stories From The Past:

Free SafeWork roofing seminars

following spate of local

incidents:
SafeWork NSW will hold two free safety seminars next week for local tradies after several local workers were seriously injured.The seminars, being held on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 November at the PortMacquarie SES Building, are targeting local tradies who work on roofs for short periods such as roof cleaners, roof painters and antenna installers.The seminars have been organised after a number of recent incidents, including:A 22 year old male suffered multiple fractures when he fell approximately two metres from an extension ladder while removing a cooling fan at Wauchope in August.A 26 year old male builder fell approximately two metres through an awning that was being re-sheeted at Coffs Harbour in June.Three construction workers were injured in July when they fell approximately two metres from timber planks arranged loosely on the scaffolding of a Nana Glenresidential construction site.SafeWork NSW Port Macquarie District Coordintor, Peter Barron said working from heights was hazardous and the seminars would help local tradies understand what they had to do to keep themselves and their workers safe.“A fall, even from a relatively low height, can result in serious injury or death,” Mr Barronsaid.“Most of these incidents could have been prevented had safe work systems such as safety harnesses or work platforms been used.“During 2013/14 there were 4,170 workers compensation claims for falls from heights ata cost of more than $49 million.“We’re encouraging local tradies to attend the seminars and learn about some of thesimple and cost effective safety solutions which could stop more local workers getting injured.”Under NSW work health and safety laws, workplaces must have safety systems topr event workers falling from heights. Businesses must provide workers with information,instruction, training and supervision in risk control procedures and workers are required to follow those procedures.Small businesses that attend the seminar may be eligible for a rebate of up to $500through SafeWork’s Small Business Rebate Program which can be used to purchaseand install safety improvements.The seminars will be held on Tuesday, 29 November and Wednesday, 30th November2016 from 7.30 am – 9.00 am at the SES Building, Central Road, Port Macquarie (nearthe new Ambulance station). The seminars are relevant for anyone who works on roofsfor short periods, including gutter installers, solar installers, plumbers, window cleaners.A free sausage sizzle breakfast and tea and coffee will be held from 7.30am withattendees eligible to claim 1.5 CPD points.To attend the seminar, contact SafeWork NSW Port Macquarie on 6588 7000.For more information on safely working with heights, including the free publicationsSafe working at heights, and the Code of Practice: Safe Work on Roofs Parts 1 and 2,visit www.safework.nsw.gov.auor call 13 10 50.