Work Health and Safety for Owner Builders

Owner Builders, Fall from Heights and Ladder Safety

I thought it was a timely reminder to post about ladder safety and Owner Builder responsibilities.

Again recently we have seen yet another serious accident on an owner builder site relating to the misuse of ladders.

Whilst we cover this in depth in our safety topic, I still see inadequate answers that require me to requiz the owner builder in respect to the correct way to set up and use a ladder.

I occasionally have the owner builder student tell me it is not a concern as they are not going to be using a ladder. Those jobs will be undertaken by qualified tradies.

Well, I need to remind everyone, that as an owner builder, you are the Principal Contractor and responsible for the actions of all those engaged on site.

Please take a minute to review the basics of ladder safety.

Look at the angle at which it is set up.

Consider the security of the ladder at top and bottom.

Do you need someone to 'foot' the ladder?

Does it extend high enough past any area you are trying to access?

Are those using the ladder up above the safe limit (rung height)?

All owner builders need to consider these points, observe what your trades are doing and ensure the performance of any activity is in accordance with the relevant Work Method Statement.

To all our owner builder course students, stay safe and,

Happy Owner Building

Rick