4.1 metre fall through shed roof under construction (22 September 2023)
A 26-year-old worker was constructing a shed on a rural property when they fell approximately 4.1 metres through the roof purlins, landing on the ground below. The worker sustained serious injuries from the fall.
![An open shed on a rural property.](https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0019/1301914/4.1m-fall-from-roof.jpg)
Safety information
Falls from heights are the leading cause of traumatic fatalities in the NSW building and construction industry. Businesses who put workers lives at risk from a fall can receive on-the-spot fines of up to $3,600 or be prosecuted.
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working at heights.
Ensure you:
- follow structural engineering, manufacturer and supplier information when constructing a shed
- plan the work – consider the risks and suitable controls
- develop a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) and implement the documented the controls to be used
- install roof safety mesh to the entire roof and in accordance with AS/NZS 4389 utilising suitable access methods, for example an elevated work platform (EWP) or scaffold
- install roof edge protection
- install safe access/egress to the roof area
- hold a valid General Construction Induction Card (White Card)
- hold valid licences for the type of work to be undertaken, for example a dogging and basic rigging licence.
Related guidance material
- Safe Work on Roofs - Commercial and Industrial Buildings (PDF, 493.51 KB)
- Prepare a safe work method statement
- Temporary edge protection (roof rails) factsheet (PDF, 2885.66 KB)
- Working at heights
- Work safely at heights in construction
- Working at heights – Safety Checklist (PDF, 208.69 KB)
- Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces (PDF, 2326.56 KB)
- Pocket guide to construction safety (PDF, 1759.1 KB)
- High risk work licences