Falls through stair voids were identified as one of the major issues on house construction sites, with the local campaign launched for builders and sub-contractors to help get the message across.

Local builders and sub-contractors can download the safety video on their computer, smart phone or tablet and use it during site inductions and tool box meetings.

More than 1300 workers had been injured in the housing construction industry in the two years to July 2012.

WorkCover Nowra district co-ordinator, John Patton said the project is aimed at reducing injuries and illnesses across the industry.

“The house construction industry is one of the state’s most important industries, comprised of almost 9000 businesses that employ more than 44,000 workers, contributing $37.9 billion to the NSW economy,” Mr Patton said.

“It’s also one of the state’s highest risk industries with more than 150 workers seriously injured or killed on the job in the last two years.

“This includes 122 workers compensation claims in the Illawarra and South East during that time.

“Falls through stair voids have been identified as one of the four major safety issues on house construction sites.”

Nowra builder David Reid from David Reid Homes is currently building a house with a stair void and said the video will help communicate the risk of falls to everyone on the site. 

“We have used a fall/edge protection handrail and ladder system to prevent falls through the stair void on this house construction site,” Mr Reid said. 

“We also explain the void protection to everyone onsite and will be encouraging our workers, sub-contractors and any other visitors to view the video as part of our site induction processes.”