Apr 8, 2025 • 5 min read
The Human Cost of Falls in NSW Construction
Falls from heights remain NSW construction’s #1 killer. Learn prevention strategies and tips on how to build a safety-first culture.
Written by: Eisabess Chee
Every day across New South Wales construction sites, workers climb scaffolding, traverse rooftops, and balance on edges. It’s all part of a normal workday for them.
Yet hidden within these routine tasks lies an alarming reality: falls from heights remain the #1 cause of tragic fatalities in the construction industry.
What the Data Tells Us
Between 2019 and 2023, falls from heights claimed 16 lives out of 44 traumatic fatalities in construction throughout NSW.
What’s particularly concerning is that most serious falls happen from heights of less than 4 meters, often from common hazards like roofs, ladders, scaffolds, voids, and building edges.
This highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and improved safety measures on every site.
Prevention as Our First Line of Defence
While the problem continues to persist, our approach to fall safety must remain vigilant. Construction companies, supervisors, and workers must work together to implement effective fall-prevention strategies.
Some of the most critical measures include:
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Before the climb: Ensure proper edge protection and guardrails are installed.
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During the work: Implement reliable work positioning systems that secure workers while allowing necessary movement.
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As a last resort: Deploy fall arrest systems that can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic outcome.
Beyond equipment, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are mandatory for jobs where workers might fall more than 2 meters. It’s essential that workers follow these procedures and are provided with ongoing training and supervision.
Building a Safety-First Culture
Equipment alone isn’t enough. True safety flourishes in an environment where:
- Workers feel empowered to plan thoroughly before beginning tasks
- Fall prevention is integrated at every construction phase
- Open dialogue between management and workers is encouraged
- Newer team members receive extra guidance and mentorship
As projects evolve, safety assessments must evolve with them. Employers should continuously assess the safety of scaffolds and work sites as construction progresses.
For small companies that struggle with the cost of safety equipment, SafeWork offers a small business safety rebate, which can be used to purchase safety items like edge protection.
Remember: the investment in protective gear is always less than the cost of an accident.
What to Do When Falls Happen
Despite our best efforts, accidents occur. When they do, quick action is crucial.
Employers must report serious injuries to SafeWork and their workers compensation insurer within 48 hours. Prompt reporting is not just a legal requirement; it also speeds the path to proper care.
Don't Let a Fall End Your Future
At AusRehab, we’ve seen firsthand how fall injuries change lives. That’s why we’re committed to guiding injured workers through the workers compensation process.
If you or someone you know has suffered a fall injury on a construction site, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Recovery should be your focus—let us handle the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations.
Contact us today so we can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and ensure you receive the care and compensation you deserve.
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Eisabess Chee is a seasoned writer with over 8 years of diverse experience in education, journalism and marketing. At AusRehab, she oversees content creation through research, writing, editing, and the crafting of resources that tackle workers compensation and workplace injury. Eisabess also curates the AusRehab newsletter, ensuring it’s packed with valuable and well-researched insights.
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