Dangers of not using Anchor points

DANGERS OF NOT USING ANCHOR POINTS​

Roof safety anchor points are essential for any worker who needs to access a roof in Australia, whether for maintenance, repair, or construction. These anchor points provide a secure attachment point for safety harnesses and other fall protection equipment, helping to prevent falls and protect workers from injury. Without proper anchor points in place, workers are at risk of falling and suffering serious injuries or death (Work Health and Safety Act 2011, No. 95, 2011).

One of the main dangers of not using roof safety anchor points in Australia is that workers may not have a secure way to attach their fall protection equipment as per the Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations (Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, No. 165, 2011). This can lead to a fall from a significant height, resulting in injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. Even a fall from a relatively low height can be fatal. According to Safe Work Australia, falls from a height are the second leading cause of work-related deaths in the country (Safe Work Australia, 2020).

Another danger is that workers may not be aware of the risks of falling from a roof as per the WHS regulations, or may not know how to properly use fall protection equipment (Work Health and Safety Act 2011, No. 95, 2011). This can lead to improper use of the equipment, which can compromise its effectiveness and put workers at risk. According to the Australian Centre for Construction Occupational Health and Safety (ACCOHS), a significant number of construction worker fatalities in Australia are caused by falls from height (ACCOHS, 2018).

Moreover, not having roof safety anchor points can also lead to potential liability issues for the employer as per the WHS regulations (Work Health and Safety Act 2011, No. 95, 2011), as it is a requirement by WHS to provide fall protection systems for workers who access the roof. According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), failure to comply with WHS regulations can result in fines and penalties for employers (ASIC, 2021).

In order to prevent these dangers, it is important for employers in Australia to ensure that proper roof safety anchor points are in place and that workers are properly trained on how to use them as per the WHS regulations (Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, No. 165, 2011). This includes regular inspections and maintenance of the anchor points to ensure they are in good working condition. Employers should also provide training on fall protection equipment and procedures as per the WHS regulations (Work Health and Safety Act 2011, No. 95, 2011), and ensure that workers understand the risks and importance of using the equipment properly.

In conclusion, not using roof safety anchor points can put workers at serious risk of injury or death in Australia. Employers must take the necessary steps to ensure that proper anchor points are in place and that workers are properly trained to use them as per the WHS regulations (Work Health and Safety Act 2011, No. 95, 2011). This will not only protect workers, but it will also prevent potential liability issues for the employer as per the WHS regulations (Work Health and Safety Act 2011, No. 95, 2011).

References:

Work Health and Safety Act 2011, No. 95, 2011.

Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, No. 165, 2011.

Safe Work Australia. (2020). Work-related injury fatalities. Retrieved from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/statistics/work-related-injury-fatalities

Australian Centre for Construction Occupational Health and Safety (ACCOHS). (2018). Construction worker fatalities in Australia. Retrieved from https://accohs.uow.edu.au/