The state of edge protection around Otago still leaves a lot to be desired and I thought I’d use a recent example to demonstrate why it’s so important to get it right. Late last year Luke Martin Roofing Limited (LMR) and Graham Hill Roofing Limited (GHR) learnt a tough legal lesson about installing and using edge protection; which is nothing compared to the worker who had their life change permanently on June 7th 2016.
What Happened?
- GHR (big well-established roofing company in Christchurch) engaged LMR as a sub-contractor to install edge protection and carry out some ‘labour only’ roofing work on a large commercial site.
- Fiver roofers were relying on the edge protection while traversing a roof.
- The victim was on work trial when he slipped and fell 8 metres when the edge protection failed.
- People on site were traumatised by what they saw afterwards.
Key Lessons Learned
- Ensure that edge protection is properly installed.
– Ensure brackets are appropriately tested before supplying them
– Ensure that correct materials for edge protection systems are supplied and installed according to manufacturers specifications
- Ensure adequate training and supervision is provided to all workers working on a roof especially when installing an edge protection system.
What the Court Said:
Each company heard their case heard separately.
Graham Hill Roofing Limited (Contractor)
Fine imposed: $240,000 (max fine $1,500,000) this was decreased due to guilty plea
Reparation: $19,250 for emotional harm and $3,097 for consequential loss
Luke Martin Roofing Limited (Sub Contractor)
Fine imposed: $25,000 payable over 5 years (max fine $1,500,000)
Reparation: $15,740 for emotional harm and $2,533.92 for consequential loss
Questions to ask your team
- How do we know our sub-contractors are capable of doing the job we ask them to do?
- How do we monitor our sub-contractors work outcome?
- How do we induct and supervise new workers in hazardous environments?
- How do we support our whole team after a traumatic incident?
- What does our trail of contractor management documents look like?
References:
- Access and Fall Protection Residential Construction: SARNZ 2018
- Best practice guidelines for working on roofs 2012
- Best practice guidelines for working at height in NZ 2012
- WorksafeNZ Factsheet 4: Edge Protection
- WorksafeNZ Fact sheet 7: Be safe working on roofs
Have a safe and productive week and as always, if you have anything to add regarding edge protection and safe working at heights please email sarah@employmenow.co.nz or call 0272 007 680.