Worker trapped in piling hole overnight after falling approximately 3.5 metres

Background

A construction worker in northern Victoria was attempting to cover a piling hole that was approximately 450mm wide. The worker fell approximately 3.5 metres into the hole and remained trapped overnight.

Safety issues

Piling is used to provide deep foundations for buildings or structures, as well as to form earth retention structures. Bored pile holes can often reach several metres in depth and have a diameter large enough for a person to fall in.

If a person falls into a bored pile hole, they are at risk of suffering falls-related injuries. They are also at risk of serious or fatal injuries from:

• Engulfment
• Drowning
• Asphyxiation
• Prolonged rescue

Recommended ways to control the risk

To control the risk of a person falling into a bored pile hole, employers should:

• Consider alternative types of piling e.g. continuous flight auger (CFA piles) or driven displacement piles.
• Use an engineered fall prevention system, like a secured pile hole cover, caisson, or guardrail system (pile hole guard with footplate); and
• Scheduling the concrete pour to occur as soon as possible after piling to minimize the time the hole is left open.

To control the risks associated with working alone, employers should:

• Consider a ‘buddy’ system for certain high-risk tasks
• Implement communication systems
• Record personnel movement (e.g., sign-in, sign-out)

Legal duties

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (the Regulations), employers and self-employed persons have duties which they must fulfil so far as is reasonably practicable. These duties include the following:

Providing and maintaining plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Identifying any task that an employee is required to undertake at a workplace that involves a fall hazard, including in close proximity to a hole, trench, shaft or pit that is of sufficient dimensions to allow a person to fall into the hole, trench, shaft or pit.

Eliminating or controlling the risk of falling more than 2 metres at the workplace, using the hierarchy of controls. Preparing emergency procedures that enable the immediate rescue of and provision of first aid to a fallen employee when the risk of falling more than 2 metres cannot be eliminated.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (the Regulations), employers and self-employed persons have duties which they must fulfil so far as is reasonably practicable. These duties include the following:

• Providing and maintaining plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health.
• Identifying any task that an employee is required to undertake at a workplace that involves a fall hazard, including in close proximity to a hole, trench, shaft or pit that is of sufficient dimensions to allow a person to fall into the hole, trench, shaft or pit.
• Eliminating or controlling the risk of falling more than 2 metres at the workplace, using the hierarchy of controls.
• Preparing emergency procedures that enable the immediate rescue of and provision of first aid to a fallen employee when the risk of falling more than 2 metres cannot be eliminated.