Ceiling panel collapse (25 October 2022)
Seven workers were injured after falling approximately 3.6 metres (m) while trying to move a compressor across unsupported ceiling panels. Five of the workers were trapped beneath the compressor after the fall.
![A hole in a floor of a building with industrial equipment](https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0003/1112853/Ceiling-panel.jpg)
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with falls while accessing and egressing ceilings.
Ensure:
- any work involving a risk of a fall is carried out on the ground or on a solid construction with a surface structurally capable of supporting workers, materials and any other loads applied to it
- manufacturer’s specifications for ceiling panels are available and safe working loads are known prior to using ceiling to store materials or for egressing
- the surface and its supports must be able to safely carry the expected loads, including workers, materials, tools and equipment. When in doubt, have a structural engineer determine the safe load capacity before use
- when work cannot be performed on the ground or from a solid construction, the risk of a fall must be minimised by providing adequate protection against the risk, for example, by providing a fall prevention device, if it is reasonably practicable to do so
- administrative controls may be used to support other controls. Administrative controls must not be used exclusively to minimise the risk of falls unless it is not reasonably practicable to use a higher order control. If relying on administrative controls, it may be necessary to provide a high level of supervision to ensure compliance
- a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for working at heights is prepared for any height with a risk of a fall of over 2 m.
Statistics
Falls from heights are the major cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Most serious and fatal falls are from roofs, ladders or scaffolds – and from a height of less than 4 m.
On-the-spot fines of up to $3,600 apply for failing to protect workers from the risk of falls from heights.
Related guidance material
- Managing the risks of falls at workplaces – Code of Practice (PDF, 2326.56 KB)
- Working at heights – Hazards A-Z
- Prevent falls from heights – poster
(PDF, 2419.61 KB) - Work safely at heights in construction – safety campaign