Electrician fined after apprentice found working on roof without fall protection
An electrical contractor was fined after a first-year apprentice was caught working on a residential roof at 2.7m height with no fall protection in place.
2.7m above ground — the height at which the apprentice was found working without any fall protection
What are the penalties for letting an apprentice work on a roof without fall protection?
Electricians and contractors must ensure apprentices have proper fall protection on roofs. Fines apply if site safety rules are ignored.
Key takeaways
- An electrical contractor was fined after a first-year apprentice worked on a roof with no fall protection.
- The apprentice was nearly 2.7m above ground, triggering fall protection requirements under safety law.
- Contractors are responsible for ensuring apprentices comply with height safety rules on all worksites.
- First-year apprentices are considered at higher risk and require closer supervision on dangerous tasks.
Related
Research calls for broader electrical hazard training across Australian workplaces
Research finds more than 400 serious workers' compensation claims are made in Australia each year after workplace electric shocks. Electrical contact consistently ranks among the top ten causes of workplace fatalities, and the research calls for broader electrical hazard training.
Why it matters: Electricians, builders and other trades who work near live electrical systems may face more training expectations. Employers could need to update induction, safety procedures and refresher training for their crews.
Victorian solar installers urged to encourage customers to maintain older systems
Victorian solar installers are being urged to encourage customers to have their rooftop solar systems regularly serviced. The call is part of a new public safety campaign focused on older systems.
Why it matters: Electricians and solar installers in Victoria may be asked to promote servicing and maintenance, which could create ongoing work from existing customers and raise safety expectations for older installations.
Australia’s peak safety body backs $42.7M funding for free mandatory safety standards
Australia's peak safety body has backed a $42.7 million Federal Budget commitment to make mandatory national safety standards free to access online. The move removes a cost barrier for people who need to read and follow the standards.
Why it matters: Plumbers, electricians, builders and other trades that must comply with mandatory standards could access them free, cutting reference costs and making compliance checks easier. The full article was not available, so details are limited.